The University of Virginia today announced a number of changes to policies and procedures necessitated by new Title IX regulations from the U.S. Department of Education.

The new regulations, which were announced in May and take effect today, govern how schools address reports of sexual harassment, including stalking and relationship violence.

Following an intensive and thorough review and listening process, the University’s existing Title IX policy and procedures have been revised to address both the new regulatory requirements and recommendations received over the past five years of implementation of the existing Title IX policy.

While the new Title IX regulations contain specific requirements for how to respond to reports of sexual harassment, which is newly defined by the regulations, the preamble to the new regulations provides flexibility for the University to continue responding to and investigating reports of conduct that is outside of the scope of the new regulations, but within the scope of UVA’s existing Title IX policy. 

In order to address the new requirements while continuing to respond to conduct that the University believes is not conducive to a safe learning, living and work environment, the University’s Title IX Office, as part of the broader Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, has crafted a new single umbrella policy with two separate processes, depending on the nature of the reported conduct. 

“The University of Virginia remains deeply committed to responding appropriately to all allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment, including those that do not fall within the scope of the new Title IX regulations, such as conduct that occurs off Grounds or that does not meet the narrowed Title IX definitions, and will continue to address reports of sexual and gender-based harassment and violence in a manner that is empathetic, fair and equitable,” UVA President Jim Ryan said.

You can learn more about the required changes and other improvements here. 

Following the release of the new federal regulations, the University’s Title IX Office launched a comprehensive process to evaluate the regulations and seek feedback and input from the community.

As part of that effort, a new website was launched to provide information about the new Title IX regulations and their implementation; four public listening sessions and 10 stakeholder meetings were held; and 150 submissions through the online feedback submission form were received and evaluated.

“We are incredibly thankful to all who took time to engage and participate in this important process,” Assistant Vice President for Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator Emily Babb said. “While the new regulations forced us to implement a number of changes, community feedback has guided us in this effort and helped us to find the best path forward as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all members of the University community.”