This conference will benefit seasoned investigators new to Title IX, as well as Title IX and Civil Rights investigators with at least three years of professional experience investigating sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination cases, and discrimination cases involving protected categories.

Day One – Monday, July 15, 2024
All Times Eastern
Welcome and Introductions
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET

 

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Title IX Investigations under the Current Regulations
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
In this opening session, you will receive a brief overview of the investigative process under the 2024 final regulations. We will explore the parties’ rights under the law and the investigator’s responsibilities throughout the investigative process. You will have the opportunity to share and discuss gaps you have identified, experienced, or that you foresee in future investigations, as well as any ongoing concerns you have about conducting investigations under the new regulations.

 

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Introduction of the Five Stages of Investigation and Scenario
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. ET
Our expert faculty will introduce you to the five stages of the investigative process. Within each stage, you will learn effective strategies and advanced skills to incorporate into your existing process. As a group, you will be introduced to a mock scenario allowing you to practice the advanced investigative skills learned throughout the training.

 

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Short Break
12:45 – 1:00 p.m. ET

 

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Stage 1: Prepare
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Our faculty will provide useful strategies to fully prepare you for your complex investigation, including:

• Recognizing the elements of the offenses
• Identifying the evidence that may be available
• Witnesses and outreach strategy
• Creating an investigation log
• Planning for the interviews
• Interacting with party advisors

Based on what you learn here, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss and refine your current preparation strategy.

 

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Long Break
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

 

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Stage 2: Gather
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Gathering and preserving evidence is critical to the investigative process. During this session, two types of evidence will be analyzed—testimonial and non-testimonial. We will then review how each type of evidence assists the decision-maker in determining responsibility.

• Testimonial Evidence: Building Rapport and Asking the Right Questions
  • Conducting interviews is a crucial and essential skill used by investigators to find out, to the best of their ability, what may have occurred during the alleged incident(s). Here, you will learn the most advanced and effective interviewing techniques to build rapport with witnesses and solicit the most valuable information, enabling you to follow the trail of information for a just and fair outcome.

• Non-Testimonial Evidence: Collecting Physical Evidence
  • Non-testimonial evidence can serve to corroborate—or contradict—the information gathered through testimonies and can be instrumental to building a case timeline while serving to bolster or diminish credibility. During this section, we will explore avenues for collecting this physical evidence and work to identify what might be missing.

 

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Autonomy, Neutrality, and Objectivity
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. ET
Impartiality within the investigative process is the substantive foundation of the entire grievance process. You will learn how to recognize and mitigate influences that may question your impartiality. You will have the opportunity to reflect and share instances where you have experienced or witnessed impartiality as part of a Title IX investigation.

 

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Wrap-Up & Day One Q&A
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. ET

 

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Day Two – Tuesday, July 16, 2024
All Times Eastern
Refresh & Reset
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET

 

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Confronting Interviewing Challenges
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
Learn the methods for communicating with a reluctant or difficult witness, including how to confront inconsistent, incomplete, contradictory, or nonsensical statements, as well as how to handle suspected dishonesty.

 

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Short Break
12:15 – 12:30 p.m. ET

 

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Small Group Activity: Mock Interviews
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET
Through mock interviews (using the fact scenario provided), you will apply the new strategies and techniques you have learned.

 

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Stages 3 and 4: Compile and Assess for Relevance
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Our faculty will walk you through the compilation and delivery of the investigative file. Following this session, you will learn how to assess and assemble the evidence for inclusion in the investigative report. In this session, you will also develop a critical understanding of relevance and its purpose within the overall grievance process.

 

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Long Break
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

 

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Stage 5: Drafting the Investigative Report
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
This stage provides the valuable opportunity to review the outline of a final investigative report and learn the best practices for organizing its content.

 

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Testifying at the Hearing
3:30 – 4:15 p.m. ET
As an investigator, you will likely serve as a witness who will testify at the hearing. Our expert faculty will ensure that you are prepared for your role within the hearing.

 

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Final Q&A and Conference Wrap-Up
4:15 – 4:45 p.m. ET

In anticipation of the new rules expected to be released this Spring by the U.S. Department of Education, Title IX Coordinators are encouraged to sign up for the 2024 Title IX Educational Series: Translating the New Regulations into Your Title IX Policies and Procedures taking place on five consecutive sessions, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern:

• May 28, 2024 | The New Grievance Process – Part I
• June 4, 2024 | The New Grievance Process – Part II
• June 11, 2024 | Expansion of Title IX Protections and Definitions
• June 18, 2024 | Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students
• June 25, 2024 | Athletics and Final Q&A