Willamette University has made two important decisions on staff positions responsible for Title IX compliance and sexual misconduct reporting.
The university’s new confidential advocate is Andrea Doyle Hugmeyer, replacing Carli Rohner, who left Willamette last month. Hugmeyer previously worked in Willamette’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Since then, she has served as assistant director for Abby’s House for Women and Families at Western Oregon University and instructor in the Women and Gender Studies program at Oregon State University. Hugmeyer is a resource for students and available via email (confidential-advocate@willamette.edu) or in-person during her office hours four days per week in the Bishop Wellness Center.
Jade Aguilar, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, will become Willamette’s Title IX coordinator. She will take over responsibilities currently held by Jackie Balzer, whose last day is Jan. 5, 2018. Until then, Balzer will continue her oversight of Title IX programs, and Willamette will continue to benefit from her expertise and counsel during the transition period. Per Department of Education guidelines and best practices, Title IX coordinators report directly to college and university presidents.
Domanic Thomas, senior associate dean for student affairs, and Shana Sechrist, associate vice president for human resources, will continue their roles as deputy Title IX coordinators for students and employees, respectively. The reporting process for Title IX violations and sexual misconduct remains unchanged.
Student affairs staff are reviewing the position vacated by Lori Johnson. They aim to reconfigure the role and begin a search in the spring semester.