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UC Office of the President reports Title IX systemwide progress; highlights training, chaperone standards and outreach
Summary
The University of California's systemwide Title IX office presented an update on prevention and response activities, including a systemwide policy, campus Title IX officers, mandatory training, and new guidance for clinical settings and chaperone standards.
Catherine Criswell Spear, Executive Director of the systemwide Office of Civil Rights/Title IX at the University of California Office of the President, briefed the subcommittee on UC’s systemwide implementation of its SVSH (sexual violence and sexual harassment) policy and related Title IX compliance work.
Criswell Spear summarized system structures: each UC campus and location has a dedicated Title IX officer and the systemwide office (STCSO) manages policy ownership, training and a case‑management system. She highlighted actions to strengthen responses in clinical settings, including issued guidance on investigating prohibited conduct in patient care and enhanced chaperone standards for sensitive exams. She said the SVSH policy includes definitions of prohibited conduct, reporting obligations and options for alternative resolution as well as formal investigations and supportive measures.
Committee members asked how UC is addressing student confusion about confidentiality and the length of processes. Criswell Spear said the system has increased education about who is a confidential resource, bolstered training for Title IX officers and campus outreach, and is working to streamline processes and improve communication about timelines. She said the system now pairs an online baseline training with campus‑level orientation and in‑person outreach and noted upcoming leadership in the disability rights area.
Members of the committee and advocates highlighted survey data indicating some students do not view reporting as confidential and that certain groups (for example, LGBTQ+ students) reported discomfort with campus police; UC witnesses said the system is increasing targeted outreach and training, including working with CARE offices and student advisory boards to improve trust and clarity about reporting options.
