UA’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Office will consolidate under one umbrella within the Division of Finance and Operations to streamline operations and improve consistency and coordination of policies and procedures for investigating and responding to all forms of discrimination and harassment.
The reorganization aligns with emerging best practices within higher education as both offices have similar investigatory roles. UA will join eight peer Southeastern Conference universities in combining the offices.
“While the two offices already work together on a variety of issues, we believe they will function even more effectively and seamlessly as a combined unit,” said Cheryl Mowdy, assistant vice president for finance and operations.
The Title IX Office is responsible for institutional oversight of all complaints related to gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The EO office is responsible for managing complaints of other discriminatory or harassing behavior and related retaliation, including discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other legally protected basis.
Beth Howard, who was serving as UA’s Title IX coordinator, will assume the role of executive director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, and oversee the consolidation.
“Beth has more than proven herself in building the University’s Title IX operation from the ground up, and we are confident she will apply those same skills and commitment to her new role,” said Mowdy. “We are committed to cultivating positive relationships with all of our internal and external stakeholders and look forward to working with the campus community on future initiatives.”