TO: Campus Community
FR: Julie Vivas, Associate Vice President, Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination
I am writing to share with you important updates regarding the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy, the Cozen Implementation Plan, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Interim Nondiscrimination Policy:
A recent federal court ruling and subsequent federal directive (“Dear Colleague Letter”) from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights on Title IX regulations has required schools nationwide to immediately revise their nondiscrimination policies. The CSU has developed an interim Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures designed to meet the changing federal requirements while also preserving its commitment to protecting its students and employees. You may access the interim Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures using the links below and on the OPHD website. The Policy and Procedures are effective March 4, 2025.
Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy
Employee and Third Party Respondent Procedures
I want to emphasize that Sonoma State University remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its students and employees consistent with CSU values and California law. The CSU will continue to uphold its commitment to its Civil Rights mission: “To foster and sustain a welcoming and nurturing campus environment where all community members are safe, supported, and empowered. A university system whose diverse community of students, faculty, and staff are able to thrive, free from discrimination and harassment in all their dimensions." As Seawolves, we must all work together to create this environment.
You can contact OPHD for more information about supportive measures and resolution options, to share reports as a Responsible Employee, and/or to file a complaint with the University. For a list of campus and community resources, including confidential options, please visit the OPHD Resources Page.
Implementation Plan and Cozen Updates:
In response to the recommendations made by the Cozen Systemwide Assessment, SSU assembled an Implementation Team with faculty, staff and student representatives to lead the process to improve our programs and practices in addressing sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment based upon protected classes, and other concerning behaviors. The Team worked diligently and created an Implementation Plan that was approved by the Chancellor and is currently being executed by various departments through the University to enhance our services. We encourage the campus community to review the reports and the plan as we continue to move forward. If you have feedback or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to any of the Implementation Team members:
- Julie Vivas, Associate Vice President for the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, Title IX Officer and DHR Administrator
- Gerald Jones, Vice President, Student Affairs
- Erin Taylor, Director of Employee and Labor Relations
- Dr. Diane Guido, Associate Vice President of Faculty Affairs and Success
- Dr. Lauren Morimoto, Department Chair and Professor, Kinesiology
- Maricela Ibarra Aceves, Senior Credentials and Student Services Coordinator
- Vanessa Sanchez, Associated Students President
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Finally, please join us for the following events in April, as we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These events were coordinated by the SMART (Sexual Misconduct/Assault Resource Team), including representatives from REACH, Student Engagement, CAPS, Confidential Advocacy, University Police, Student Health Center, Athletics, Disability Services for Students, and OPHD.
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kick-Off | April 2 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Seawolf Plaza
- Real Talk with the Peer Ambassadors: REACH Community Conversations about Consent | April 7 | 4:30 p.m. | Casentino - Tuscany
- Clothesline | April 9 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | In front of Library
- Awareness to Action: Bingo Night | April 10 | 4:30-5:30 pm | Valley Rooms
- Real Talk with the Peer Ambassadors & MECHA: Machismo | April 10 | 7 p.m. | The HUB
- Clothesline | April 16 | 11 a.m. -1 p.m. | In front of Library
- Fraternity & Sorority Life SAAM Trivia Night | April 16 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Barrel Room
- Real Talk with the Peer Ambassadors: Healthy Relationships in the Queer Community | April 22 | 5-6 p.m. | Barrel Room
- Denim Day | April 23 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Seawolf Plaza
- Take Back the Night | April 23 | 6 p.m. | Ballroom B/C and D
- SAAM Culmination Celebration and OPHD Intern Showcase | April 30 | 4-6 p.m. | Cooperage
We look forward to seeing you and remember to wear teal!