The university’s Title IX office has moved from the basement of the campus center to a house owned by the university, located at 1626 Campus Court. This house is situated directly next to the university police department and will house Sherita Nickerson, the deputy anti-harassment coordinator, a case manager, Ryan Bowman and a graduate student intern, Hannah “Scout” Harrell.
Sherita Nickerson, deputy anti-harassment coordinator, applauded the new location.
“We partner with ACUPD on 90% of our cases,” said Nickerson. “So for me to just call them over or walk over, it further solidifies our relationship with the police department, and it’s a win-win as far as we are concerned.”
Previously, students wishing to file a complaint would have to go into the basement level student life offices in order to meet with a Title IX coordinator. Nickerson pointed out that this did not afford students much of a quiet space or privacy when they wished to visit the office for more serious matters.
Additionally, Nickerson is pleased the offices are now featured more prominently on campus.
“We want people to know how serious we are about sexual assault, harassment and discrimination, so this is a really prominent location,” said Nickerson. “We’re front-facing the university now; we’re easily accessible to a whole lot more people.”
The Title IX office will host an open house for all students, faculty and staff on Sept. 24 from 3-6 p.m. to commemorate the change in location. Everyone is welcomed to stop by, said Nickerson
Students wishing to partner with the Title IX office to promote awareness are always welcome to stop by the new office location.