Title IX Summit

9:00 – 9:30 AM Check-in, morning coffee and pastries

9:30 – 9:45 AM Opening Remarks

9:45 – 10:30 AM Opening Keynote – “Healing at the Center: Restorative Strategies for Transforming Harm”

10:45 – 11:30 AM Breakout Session Round #1

11:30 – 12:30 PM Title IX Lunch & Learn

1:00 – 1:45 PM Breakout Session Round #2

2:00 – 2:45 PM Closing Keynote – “Looking to the Horizon: Building Compassionate Communities”

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM Closing Remarks & Networking

The effects of interpersonal violence are lasting for those directly affected and indirectly connected, creating widespread opportunities for connection, solutions, and healing. One approach to centering community and the repair of harm is restorative justice: collaborative truth-sharing and decision making to facilitate repair. This discussion will explore the prevalence of compounding harm in responses to sex- and gender-based misconduct and the potential of restorative solutions as an antidote to violence.

Léna Crain, Ph.D., has served in student affairs and Title IX roles for two decades. She is a frequent trainer and speaker on alternative resolution, conflict resolution skill building, cultural dimensions of conflict, and planning and assessment. With an expertise in operationalizing alternative resolution, Dr. Crain works with organizations to develop inclusive processes for resourcing survivors, reporting, and resolving sex- and gender-based harm. Dr. Crain has been recognized as an ACPA Diamond Honoree and Annuit Coeptis Scholar. Currently, she is the Dean of Students at Baldwin Wallace University and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.

Upholding safety and accountability can be disheartening when justice falters and the vulnerable suffer most. By fostering healthier connections and compassionate accountability, we can honor dignity and celebrate shared power. Moving away from exploitative, patriarchal models, we can build more equitable relationships and dynamic, community-centered frameworks that prioritize humanity over punitive systems.

Ward Urion is a seasoned expert in addressing and preventing domestic and sexual violence. His career began in the legal field, serving as a domestic violence advocate and Victim Assistance Unit Manager for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Transitioning from the courtroom, he held various roles, including professional development trainer and mental health program coordinator. Ward co-founded the Men’s Network Against Domestic Violence and Team Up Washington, initiatives aimed at engaging men and leveraging sports to prevent violence. As project director of the Men’s Domestic Abuse Check Up at UW, he helped explore effective change strategies with self-identified, non-adjudicated abusive men utilizing a motivational enhancement therapy. Currently, he is the Senior Prevention Strategist at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where he champions cultural change.

Title IX processes at UW are often seen as complex and mysterious. This panel offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the entire Title IX process—from the moment a report is received, to the resolution stage, and beyond! Join our case management, investigations, and hearings staff as they provide a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at how Title IX support, investigation, and adjudication processes operate at UW.

Laura Fay, MPA, is the Manager of Intake and Support in the UW Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Dave Huneryager, J.D., is the Hearing Officer in UW Compliance Services.

Andy Schwich is the Interim Manager of the UW Civil Rights Investigation Office.

Session description coming soon!

Alison Briscoe-Smith, Ph.D., is the Diversity Lead in UW Student Life.

Given the relative newness of restorative philosophy, practices, and justice (RP/P/J) in sex- and gender-based misconduct, ample myths and questions follow. Is RJ the “easy way out”? What are the possible outcomes of RJ? What about recidivism? In this session, participants will discuss common questions and myths to develop a deeper understanding and communicate about RP/P/J.

Léna Crain, Ph.D., has served in student affairs and Title IX roles for two decades. She is a frequent trainer and speaker on alternative resolution, conflict resolution skill building, cultural dimensions of conflict, and planning and assessment. With an expertise in operationalizing alternative resolution, Dr. Crain works with organizations to develop inclusive processes for resourcing survivors, reporting, and resolving sex- and gender-based harm. Dr. Crain has been recognized as an ACPA Diamond Honoree and Annuit Coeptis Scholar. Currently, she is the Dean of Students at Baldwin Wallace University and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.

Being named as a Respondent in a university disciplinary process or investigation can be a challenging experience. It is essential to ensure that individuals alleged to have violated policy are supported in understanding their rights and options throughout the process. This panel-style session features UW colleagues from various campus departments who work directly with persons alleged to have caused harm. They will share insights gained from their experiences, offer strategies for providing empathetic support, and discuss the importance of delivering clear and accurate information to this population.

Panel Comprised of UW Title IX Community Partners

Working with Title IX cases can be emotionally challenging work. It can lead to compassion fatigue and even vicarious trauma. This workshop is designed to empower staff with the knowledge and tools to recognize compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma early on as a radical act of self-compassion and a path to mental wellbeing. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, the presenter will discuss strategies to reduce the impact of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma on staff well-being. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of distress and redefine self-care both immediately after distressing meetings and in the long term to help set healthy boundaries to replenish energy and maintain a healthy balance.

Mehvash Ali, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist at the UW Counseling Center.

Session description coming soon!

V. Kalei Kanuha, MSW, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the UW School of Social Work.