Title IX and COVID-19 trainings available this week

Dear UAA Community,

Beginning Sept. 1, you will have access to two trainings, the annual Title IX training and a special COVID-19 training designed for the university community.

Annual Title IX training
All students, staff and faculty are required to complete the annual Title IX training led by the UAA Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC). OEC upholds the university’s nondiscrimination and harassment policies and educates the community about policies, practices and prevention efforts.

Online training opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, and must be completed by Sept. 30. In an effort to ensure our campus remains a safe space free of harassment and discrimination, we are aiming for 100% compliance from the UAA community. Students can access the training through Blackboard, while employees will find it in myUA.

Facilitated training with OEC staff is also available and may be scheduled by contacting the Office of Equity and Compliance at uaa_titleix@alaska.edu or 907-786-0818.

Why is this training important? This training reflects new federal guidelines that have changed the definition and scope of sexual harassment under Title IX and altered the processes for formal investigations, grievances and appeals. It is critical faculty and staff participate in this training to understand their duties as responsible employees to report sexual harassment and for students to understand their rights.

Reporting and resources. Reports of sexual harassment can be directed to Sara Childress, UAA’s director of equity and compliance and Title IX coordinator, at sgchildress@alaska.edu or 907-786-0818. OEC also handles discrimination reporting under Title VII and  provides resources and information about the right to an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

COVID-19 training course
Students and employees are encouraged to access a new COVID-19 training course in Blackboard. The course was developed specifically for the university community with guidance from epidemiologist Dr. Tom Hennessy, who works closely with the UAA College of Health, emergency management experts from across the UA system and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Distance Learning Network.

The training takes about an hour to complete and includes information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself and your community. You can access the course via Blackboard. Log in using your UA username and password to get started.

Thank you for your participation in these two trainings and your ongoing efforts to educate yourselves on these topics of relevance to our community. Let’s continue to work toward a safe, secure and respectful environment at UAA.

Sincerely,
Cathy Sandeen
UAA Chancellor

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