Title IX at The University of Akron
Do you need help? Help for sexual misconduct.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities. Title IX provides: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Sexual harassment (which includes sexual violence and assault) is a form of sex discrimination and therefore a violation of Title IX. Specific behaviors that are prohibited by Title IX include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity; stalking; and relationship violence that is gender-based. Title IX also prohibits discrimination of pregnant and parenting students. Many behaviors that violate Title IX also constitute crimes. Title IX provides for the equitable treatment of all individuals at the University, including in admissions, grading of student coursework, and in athletics.
Gender-Based Misconduct and Title IX Policy & Protocol
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Title IX leadership at The University of Akron
To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, the University has a designated University Title IX Coordinator. The coordinator is charged with monitoring compliance with Title IX and ensuring that reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence are investigated and addressed by the University.
Any student, faculty or staff member with questions or concerns about the applicable University policies or who believes that he or she has been the victim of sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence is encouraged to contact The University of Akron's Title IX Coordinator.
Services and support for branch campuses are integrated. Students attending classes at branch campuses including The Wayne College and the Medina County University Center are provided the same support and resources as all University of Akron students and are welcome to seek services at whichever location is most convenient.
Title IX team
Title IX coordinator
Chelsea Polly, Associate Director Inclusion and Equity
Leigh Hall, 309 B
330-972-7276
cpolly@uakron.edu
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Michael Strong, Dean of Students
Student Union, Room 152
330-972-6048
mstrong@uakron.edu
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Regional Campuses
Gordon Holly, Assistant Dean of Student Success
Wayne Campus, Boyer HPE Building, Room E242
330-972-8740
gholly@uakron.edu
Deputy Title IX Coordinators for Athletics
Jacklin Wallgren, Senior Associate Athletic Director Instructional Services
InfoCision Stadium 269
330-972-5512
jwallgren@uakron.edu
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Emily Lenke, Director Employee and Labor Relations
Administrative Services Building, Room 125E
330-972-6195
emf22@uakron.edu
Investigators
Investigators for Student Concerns
Dale Adams, Jr.
Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-2580
adamsjd@uakron.edu
Derek Kemph
Student Conduct Hearing Officer
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-5794
dkemph@uakron.edu
Deborah Novak
Assistant Director, Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-8646
dnovak@uakron.edu
Susan White
Coordinator, Student Conduct & Community Standards
Simmons Hall 302
330-972-7011
susanwhite@uakron.edu
Investigator for Employee Concerns
Tami Hannon
Director, EEO/AA
Administrative Services Building, 138
330-972-7300
tlz2@uakron.edu
Police Investigator
Jason Hill
Police Officer / Detective
Physical Facilities Op Center
330-972-5455
jbhll@uakron.edu
Hearing officers
Dr. Toni Bisconti
Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences 341
tb33@uakron.edu
Carolyn Dessin
Professor of Law
McDowell Law Center 241
cld3@uakron.edu
Willa Gibson
Professor of Law
McDowell Law Center 316
willa1@uakron.edu
James Gilbride
Assistant Chief University Police
Superior Building Station 2
jpg2@uakron.edu
John Matejkovic
Professor, College of Business Administration, Retired
jem@uakron.edu
Michael Szczukowski
Director Materials Handling
Administrative Services Building 68
mas149@uakron.edu