The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership is pleased to announce Dr. Megan Patrick's appointment as the Title IX coordinator.

Dr. Patrick brings 15 years of experience at Temple University to her new role. Her previous roles in student affairs include positions in university housing and residential life, student conduct and community standards, and fraternity and sorority life. With a longstanding commitment to advocating for students, Dr. Patrick is passionate about continuing this vital work in her new capacity as the Title IX coordinator. 

Through her role, she aims to connect students with resources and guide them through the complexities of the process, ensuring they understand their rights. To learn more about Dr. Patrick, read the Idealist interview below.

The Idealist:

What is Title IX?

Dr. Patrick:

On paper, Title IX protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities, but in reality, it is so much more. It provides support and assists with some of the most challenging times in someone’s life. It ensures everyone has the tools necessary to succeed, regardless of their experiences.

The Idealist:  

What are the most pressing Title IX issues facing our campus community? 

Dr. Patrick:  

I think a lot of it comes from barriers to reporting. We may not know everything that is going on on-campus, because people have a variety of reasons. Whether they’re ashamed, worried about retribution, or nervous about what their peers are going to think. There are a variety of different reasons why individuals aren’t reporting.

The other thing is that Title IX is a confidential practice, and it can be difficult to be transparent so often people will think “My friend reported this, but nothing happened” when in reality something may have happened, but we can’t share that. In general, since we’re on a college campus there are Title IX issues. There is discrimination that could potentially be happening whether that be in the classroom or among students.

The Idealist:  

Can you discuss any changes or updates you plan on implementing to the current Title IX policies or procedures? 

Dr. Patrick: 

I can’t make changes to policies and procedures because they are federally mandated. However, what I can do is change or increase the support that is given. I might not be able to change a policy or procedure, but I can help a student navigate through it. I can help a student to feel supported and more broadly increase awareness of what Title IX is, so people know how they can best support others. Training, education, and support are ways that assist.

The Idealist:  

In what way do you intend to collaborate with campus organizations and resources to support survivors of sexual harassment and assault? 

Dr. Patrick: 

Being visible is probably the most important thing. Ensuring that students know about Title IX and know about IDEAL. Knowing the individuals who are staff members and how we can support them. If there are events on campus, figuring out a way we can be supportive and visible there. If there are specific resources or educational opportunities that organizations need, we are willing to assist them as well. Working with fraternity and sorority life to see how we can assist with education. We will work closely with athletics and do presentations to different teams to make sure they understand what Title IX is and the implications.

The Idealist:  

Can you outline any training or education initiatives you plan to implement for students, faculty, and staff regarding Title IX rights and responsibilities? 

Dr. Patrick:  

Education starts right from the time of admission. We partner with orientation to make sure the new students understand what Title IX is and make sure they have a place to report. We are working collaboratively with the Health Science Campus to make sure students who aren’t on Main Campus are still aware of who we are and how we can help them. With regards to faculty, staff, and administration there is a training during new employee orientation. We are working on a way to increase it to be a yearly training.

We have met with Temple police to start the conversation of how we can get in front of police officers and train them as they are hired and continue that training to make sure it’s not just a one-time occurrence. We’re making sure different schools, staff, and administration are aware of what Title IX is and how they play a part and how we can continue to support.

The Idealist:  

What message would you like to convey to students, faculty, and staff regarding your approach to addressing Title IX issues on our campus? 

Dr. Patrick:  

My door is always open. I am approachable. While Title IX may be a scary concept it should never be scary to come to the office. We are here to help and it’s why we do the work that we do. We want to figure out a solution and make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. We are willing to have as many conversations as we need to have to make sure that happens.