Message from Fr. Mark L. Poorman, CSC

November 1, 2016

Dear University of Portland Community,

I am writing today to announce the formation of an Ad Hoc University Committee to evaluate our current Title IX policies, procedures, and practices.

As you may know, Title IX was introduced into federal law in 1972 and focused mainly on gender equity in sports on university campuses.  Since that time, and over the last few years in particular, the institutional responsibilities under Title IX have grown to include any incident of sexual harassment, discrimination based on sex or gender, or sexual assault on campus.

Our policies at the University of Portland are compliant with Title IX federal regulation, and yet I recognize that the expectations for best practices continue to evolve. It is critically important that our policies keep up with relevant considerations comparable to our peer institutions and that we are pursuing them with integrity as a faith-based institution.

I have invited members of the UP community, including faculty, staff, and students, to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee and review our current Title IX policies, procedures, and services, as well as to identify additional opportunities that could further benefit our community.

Their areas for review and recommendations may include any aspect of Title IX at the University, but I’ve asked them specifically to consider issues of training, support for both reporting and responding parties, our student conduct process and sanctions, NCAA policies and practices, and how our Title IX policies align with other student conduct policies outlined in Life on the Bluff.  In addition to gathering facts and input, they will conduct a comparative analysis across similar institutions of higher education.

Dr. Elise Moentmann of the History Department has accepted my invitation to serve as chair of the committee.  I am deeply grateful to Elise and the members of the group for their commitment to this important service.

The members of the committee include: 

Elise Moentmann, Chair, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Students, College of Arts and Sciences
Sandy Chung, Director of Human Resources    
Tim Doughty, Associate Professor, Shiley School of Engineering   
Gerry Gregg, Director of Campus Safety
Nick Krautscheid ’18, Student
Megan Launceford ’17, Student
Sarah Meiser, Associate Director of Housing, Residence Life
Karen Peters, Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Athletics
Matt Rygg, Associate VP of Student Development, Office of Student Affairs
Anne Santiago, Assistant Professor, Political Science

I have tasked the committee with presenting me with their report by the end of March, 2017.  

Once again, and on behalf of the University community, I want to thank these members of our faculty, staff, and student body for their service.  Be assured of my support and prayers for this important work.

Sincerely,

Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.
President