As we begin a new academic year, I am grateful for the opportunity to welcome you and introduce myself. My name is Ashley Blamey, and I serve as the university’s Title IX coordinator. In this role, I am responsible for supporting the university’s compliance with Title IX and working with partners across our community to foster an environment where faculty, staff, and students learn, live, and work free from sex-based discrimination and harassment.

As we start the year, I invite you to review several important updates and opportunities to connect with our office. I also encourage you to become familiar with the university’s updated Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking.

Creating an informed and engaged university community is a shared responsibility. Our door is open year-round for your questions, concerns, and feedback.

I look forward to working with you.

Warmly,
Ashley Blamey
Title IX Coordinator

Attend the Title IX Town Hall. Join me and university partners who work alongside the Office of Title IX for the Title IX Town Hall on Tuesday, September 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Student Union Room 362. We will share more about the Office of Title IX’s mission, vision, and work across the university and provide an opportunity for members of the campus community to learn more and engage with us. Lunch will be provided for the first 50 attendees, and the presentation will begin at noon.

Connect with Title IX. Throughout the fall semester, the Office of Title IX will host five Connect with Title IX sessions for students, faculty, and staff. These informal opportunities make it easy to ask questions, share feedback, and offer ideas about how we can continue improving our efforts to create and maintain a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for learning, living, and working. Visit the Title IX training and events page for upcoming dates.

Be a bystander who ACTs. Being an active bystander is one meaningful way each of us can contribute to a safer and more supportive community. Remember to ACT: Acknowledge the situation, Consider your options, and Take action. You can help set that expectation among your friends and peers, within student organizations, in classrooms, and across departments. Consider requesting a Vols ACT training, which can be tailored to the unique needs and experiences of your group. To learn more about Vols ACT and other educational programs, visit the Title IX training page.

Connect with CHEW. The Center for Health Education and Wellness offers additional opportunities throughout the year to learn, participate, and strengthen our community. Follow CHEW on social media at @utkwellness, engage with the Consent Is campaign, request a program for your class or student organization, or attend CHEW events throughout the semester. Learn more about programs and upcoming events at the CHEW website.