Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
You may be aware that recent federal legislation requires several changes in the ways colleges and universities handle Title IX issues. At the Board of Regents meeting on July 30, the Board approved the University of Minnesota’s plan for meeting the new requirements, which need to be in place by August 14, 2020. One change in the federal requirements is a more prescriptive determination of who can and cannot serve as a university’s Title IX Coordinator.
Unfortunately, this new requirement prevents Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students Dr. Lisa Erwin from continuing her service in this role. Because she is in the line of decision making for student issues, she can no longer serve as the coordinator.
Dr. Erwin has done an outstanding job as UMD’s Title IX Coordinator and has made many contributions locally and nationally to Title IX related policies and practices. I appreciate her ongoing service, dedication, and advocacy to matters related to Title IX.
Dr. Jennifer Mencl has agreed to serve as UMD’s Title IX Coordinator for one year while we evaluate the new UMD policies and procedures required by the Federal Government. Dr. Mencl’s new duties are in addition to her continued assignment as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Effectiveness.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Erwin for her service as Title IX Coordinator and expressing our appreciation to Dr. Mencl for assuming this additional responsibility.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
