ANN JAMES, INTERIM DIRECTOR & TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Due to staff transitions, and to examine current practices, we have appointed an outside expert to lead and ready us for the new Director. Dr. Ann James has been named the university’s Interim Title IX Coordinator. Dr. James is a Senior Solutions Specialist at Grand River Solutions. She brings 21 years of experience in higher education, most of which has been spent leading institutional efforts in Title IX and gender equity compliance. She has served as a Title IX Coordinator, chief conduct officer, and has investigated and adjudicated cases involving faculty, staff, and students. Dr. James received her Ph.D. in college student personnel from the University of Louisville. Her doctoral research was related to the impact of sexual violence on first-year college students, specifically related to perception of campus climate and engagement. Dr. James has received extensive training on recent changes to federal and state regulations related to sexual misconduct, which can be viewed here.

You can reach Ann by phone at (616) 331-9530 or by email at v_jameann@gvsu.edu.

MICHAEL SZYDLOWSKI, M.A., DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATOR

Michael works closely with members of the GVSU community who have been impacted by sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination to offer care while providing supportive measures to ensure the safety and continued participation of those involved.  Michael is available to discuss options for supportive measures, reporting (including a formal complaint to GVSU and reporting to law enforcement), and university resolution (which can include an investigation).  If and when an individual would like to request university action, Michael is available to provide information on filing a formal complaint.

You can reach Michael by phone at (616) 331-9530 or by email at szydlowm@gvsu.edu.

TRACY A. MAGINN, J.D., CONSULTANT

Teresa "Tracy" A. Maginn is of counsel in the Labor and Employment Department in Barnes & Thornburg's South Bend, Indiana office and has been retained to provide investigative and other services to the Office of Title IX and Institutional Equity. Previously, Tracy was the Assistant Vice President and Counsel for the University of Notre Dame, Office of the General Counsel. During her time with the university she provided advice on issues related to employment discrimination and harassment, employment policies and procedures, wage and hour issues, employee benefit plans, workers' compensation, and disability accommodation issues. She was also involved in dispute resolution via participation in settlement negotiations and arbitrations; drafting and negotiating release agreements; engaging in contract negotiations of virtually all types, including intellectual property; and advising the university in a variety of matters regarding discipline and privacy issues.

You can reach Tracy by phone at (574) 237-1172 or by email at Teresa.Maginn@btlaw.com.

KAREL SWANSON, OFFICE ASSISTANT

Karel Swanson is provides administrative support to the Office of Title IX and Institutional Equity. As a temp PSS, Karel also brings extensive knowledge of Grand Valley having previously served a long-time advisor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Academic Advising Center.

You can reach Karel by phone at (616) 331-9530 or by email at swankare@gvsu.edu.

Title IX Advisory Group

Partnership and collaboration across the university is essential for the review and response to reports related to sexual misconduct. The Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity has maintained an advisory group which meets weekly to discuss cases and trends. Members of the group include:

Core Team:

• Ann James, Interim Title IX Coordinator/Director
• Michael Szydlowski, Deputy Title IX Cooridator
• Tracy Maginn, Title IX Consultant
• Brandon DeHaan, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police
• Pat Smith, General Counsel
• Ann Jbarra, Associate General Counsel
• Deb Sanders, Director of Compensation and Staff Relations (Human Resources)
• Kathleen VanderVeen, Associate Vice President & Deputy Inclusion and Equity Officer

Additional team members (as needed):

• Ed Aboufadel, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Jesse Bernal, Chief of Staff & Vice President for Inclusion and Equity
• Rachel Dziabuda, Victim Advocate
• Kristen Evans, Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life
• Emily First, Student Support Manager with the Dean of Students Office
• Aaron Haight, Acting Vice Provost and Dean of Students
• Jessica Jennrich, Director of the Center for Women and Gender Equity
• Marlene Kowalski-Bruan, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Development & Educational Outreach and Deputy Inclusion and Equity Officer

Members of the Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity Team, as well as members of the pool who assist in carrying out the grievance process, receive regular training based on their respective roles on topics including sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and on how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of impacted parties and promotes accountability.

A list of recent training is included below.