Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Vanessa Wood

Abstract

Title IX Coordinators are responsible for implementing standardized procedures related to each component of Title IX procedures on college and university campuses. The problem this study addressed was the gap in practice regarding the ways colleges and universities implement standardized procedures to ensure equitable due process for involved parties in sexual misconduct cases. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore perspectives of Title IX Coordinators regarding their challenges with implementing standardized procedures set forth by the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education, particularly related to sexual misconduct cases and ways to improve equitable due process for all involved parties. The conceptual framework stems from the adaptive character of thought theory to understand how Title IX Coordinators handle Title IX hearings and investigations based upon how they apply learning to application. The researcher used a basic qualitative design with a purposeful sample of 13 Title IX Coordinators with at least one-year experience in the position at a college or university with a 5,000-15,000 student population in the United States. The data were analyzed using Saldana's (2016) first and second-cycle coding process. Major themes were (1) gaining the trust of complainant or respondent to share with complete honesty; (2) availability of professionals for additional support and assistance in their work; and (3) needing increased training and awareness for investigators, advocates, committee members, and students. Social change implications of this study are mandatory training and ongoing practice of Title IX Coordinators in sexual misconduct hearings and investigations, and the need to instill confidence in complainants and respondents participating in Title IX sexual misconduct cases.

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