Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX supports UM’s commitment to diverse and inclusive working and learning environments free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. We work to eliminate barriers inhibiting individuals from achieving their full potential in education, employment, and other programs at the University.
Important Update: Title IX Federal Regulations
On April 19, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued new federal regulations governing how universities and colleges, including the University of Montana, must address reported sex-based misconduct under Title IX, which is a federal statute that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX, together with other relevant civil rights laws and prior OCR guidance, form the basis of the University’s current Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Policy and accompanied Grievance Procedures. The new regulations will require UM’s Office of Conflict, Resolution, & Policy (CRP), which includes the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, to amend its existing investigatory and adjudicatory processes, but UM’s institutional commitment to stop, remedy, and prevent recurrence of discrimination remains unchanged. The University will continue to prohibit all forms of sex-based misconduct, address such reports in a fair and respectful manner, and provide supportive measures to the parties involved.
UM is taking time to examine the new regulations, in collaboration with state and national partners, to determine how best to implement the required changes on our campus. Additionally, UM was awarded a grant through the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) to support effective, comprehensive responses to sex-based misconduct. Given the opportunities of the forthcoming Title IX regulations and the efforts of the OVW grant, CRP will be reviewing and intentionally updating its training offerings, policies and procedures, and response processes prior to August 1, when the final regulations go into effect. CRP will seek input from campus and community constituents as we proceed.
Sincerely,
Pamela Altmaier Alicia Arant
Title IX Coordinator AVP of Conflict, Resolution, & Policy
Our Office Values
Responds to incidents of reported discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by providing supportive and protective measures and taking appropriate steps to address and stop the behavior. Equal Opportunity and Title IX’s response can include a formal investigation and adjudication or an informal process.
Equal Opportunity and Title IX is a neutral office. Where investigations are initiated, both parties have equal rights throughout the process and equitable access to protective and supportive measures.
Provides resources and protective and supportive measures to stop and address the effects of prohibited conduct.
Maintains compliance with Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Equal Opportunity laws, Title IX and Title VII of the Education Act of 1972, and Clery/VAWA.
Delivers various trainings to faculty, staff, students, and other affiliates to proactively and reactively educate on topics of discrimination and harassment. These trainings include proactive sessions on federal civil rights laws such as ADA and Title IX, University non-discrimination policies, equitable hiring processes and other topics. We also collaborate with other groups to develop UM’s prevention education plan. In addition, Equal Opportunity and Title IX provide education and training to individuals alleged of violating the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy to prevent reoccurrence and future harm to the community.
Recommends, interprets, and implements policies and procedures in support of non-discrimination.