Note: This article centers around Clark University’s Title IX Program, which focuses on preventing and addressing sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and related issues. 

Clark University released a statement to all students updating them on new developments within the Title IX Office on January 26th, 2022. 

The Title IX (pronounced “Title Nine”) Office receives and responds to reports of stalking, sexual assault, dating violence, and domestic violence. They also provide conduct training for various groups on campus. The email detailed three updates regarding changes to their office. 

First, the Title IX Office has hired Jessica Brown as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator on Clark University’s campus. Ms. Brown will “work closely” with Cherie Scricca, Title IX Coordinator, to “respond to and resolve reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking, and conduct training”. 

The email also noted that Clark University has partnered with Pathways for Change, a nonprofit community organization that is based in Worcester. Pathways for Change will work closely with the Title IX Office on campus. Specifically, the organization will “provide confidential advocacy services for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence.” The email stated that any information shared with Pathways for Change is confidential. Pathways for Change is prohibited from sharing any information with the Title IX Office without express permission. 

The partnership with Pathways for Change provides various new services for the Clark community including a 24-hour hotline and accompaniment to law enforcement. Additionally, they provide legal and medical services, peer support counseling and “referrals to other community partners.”

In addition, Clark University and Pathways for Change will collaborate on a prevention program that addresses sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 

The Pathways for Change website offers additional resources such as healing circles, options after an assault, supporting someone, a deaf survivors program, professional workshops and consultation. 

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Title IX Office “has moved its operations offsite.” All services provided to the Clark community will be provided over email, phone, or Zoom until further notice. 

The Title IX Coordinator and the new Deputy Title IX Coordinator will, as a part of their position, oversee the Title IX process when given reports of potential “sexual offense violations,” guide those seeking resources by referring them to staff members within the Title IX Office, provide educational resources and inform the Clark community of their rights, resources, and responsibilities, and answer any questions received from those in the Clark Community regarding Title IX. 

The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will primarily be tasked with receiving complaints or reports of sex or gender-based harassment, violence, or discrimination and to help the Clark community “gain a greater understanding of Clark University’s policies and procedures”. 

Many of Pathways for Change’s resources, such as its 24-hour hotline, are also offered as primarily virtual options. However, they do have in-person resources and events such as the Worcester Clothesline Project. They are also advertising volunteer opportunities on their site. 

According to the Title IX Office website, the program offers its services to all community members regardless of sex or gender identity. Additionally, the website contains resources such as an FAQ page, resources for victims and their friends, an outline of how meeting with the Title IX Office works, and Clark University’s Title IX Policy in full. 

Finally, the email addressed the uSafeUS App, a free and confidential tool for students to proactively address potentially unsafe situations. The USafeUS App, which can be downloaded for free via the App Store and Google Play, has a variety of resources including alarms, an “expect me” function, and the Angel Drink. 

Most first-years download the USafeUS app during orientation. The email stressed that this resource, as well as all other resources previously in place, will continue to be available to the Clark community. 

Contacts for the Title IX Office include [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. The website for Clark University’s Title IX Office is https://www/clarku/edu/offices/title-ix/. Additionally, Pathways for Change has contact information for its 24-hour hotline (1-800-870-5905) and its video phone, which operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (508-502-7681).