In September 2016, then UT president Joe DiPietro appointed an independent commission to review and address Title IX compliance across the UT System. The commission acted with full authority to access and review existing programs and resources. Information gathered by the commission was released in June 2017 with observations and recommendations. This report was reviewed by the president, chancellors, general counsel, and others to ensure the effective implementation of selected enhancements.

The report made five major recommendations:

• Creation of a system-wide Title IX coordinating presence
• Campus Title IX staffing and resource enhancements
• Policy, grievance procedure, and Student Code of Conduct updates and modifications
• Case management and care and support enhancements
• Enhanced education, prevention, and training

In response to these suggestions, UT Knoxville established the Office of Title IX in August 2017. The office is centrally located at 1817 Melrose Avenue.