Training Opportunities for Faculty, Staff – University of Scranton

Report on Institutional Compliance Training Initiatives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX (OIC) has announced a series of informational and training programs for university faculty and staff. These initiatives are integral to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable campus environment, directly supporting the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programs specifically advance SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by strengthening institutional policies and response mechanisms.

Scheduled Programs and SDG Contributions

1. Title VI Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment Information Session

   This session is designed to acquaint university personnel with institutional policy and procedures for managing reports of harassment and discrimination.

   • Date and Time: Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
   • Location: The Casey Conference Room, Brennan Hall, 502
   • Registration: No registration is required.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By educating the community on policies against discrimination based on protected classes, this initiative directly supports Target 10.3, which aims to ensure equal opportunity and eliminate discriminatory practices.
     • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The program reinforces the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutional frameworks for justice, in line with Target 16.6.

2. Title IX Grievance/Hearing Process Volunteer Training

   A specialized training, including a brunch sponsored by the It’s On Us PA grant, will be held for faculty and staff interested in supporting the Title IX adjudication process. This training prepares individuals to serve in critical roles such as party advisors, hearing panelists, and informal process facilitators, thereby strengthening the university’s capacity to address sexual harassment and misconduct.

   • Date and Time: Friday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
   • Location: DeNaples Center, Room 405
   • Registration: Registration is required.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): This training is fundamental to achieving Target 5.2 (Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls) by building a robust institutional response to sexual harassment and misconduct.
     • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): By equipping community members to participate in the grievance process, the university ensures a responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making process, contributing to Target 16.7.

3. Launch of Optional Online Training Module

   An online training module will be disseminated to all faculty and staff via the Vector/SafeColleges system. This module details university policies, compliance processes, and individual roles and responsibilities. While optional for current employees, this training is mandatory for all new hires.

   • Distribution Method: An email link will be provided to all personnel.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Promoting widespread awareness of these policies helps create a safe, non-violent, and inclusive learning environment for all, a key component of Target 4.a.
     • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): This scalable training solution enhances institutional transparency and accountability by ensuring all employees are informed of their rights and responsibilities.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding these programs, please contact the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX at 570-941-6645 or compliance@scranton.edu.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article directly addresses gender equality by focusing on training related to Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and misconduct, in educational institutions. The programs aim to create a safer and more equitable environment for all genders.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article highlights the university’s efforts to build a strong institutional framework for handling discrimination and harassment. By offering training on policies, grievance processes, and hearing procedures, the university is working to create an effective, accountable, and inclusive institution that ensures justice for its community members.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The initiatives described contribute to creating a safe, non-violent, and inclusive learning environment, which is a prerequisite for quality education. By training faculty and staff to handle issues of harassment and discrimination, the university is taking steps to ensure that the educational environment is conducive to learning for all students.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The “Title VI Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment information session” is explicitly aimed at acquainting staff with policies against discrimination based on protected classes, which includes sex.
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. The “Title IX-Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Grievance/Hearing Process Volunteer Training” directly addresses this by preparing staff to manage and adjudicate cases of sexual harassment and misconduct, which are forms of gender-based violence.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The training for volunteers to serve as “party advisors, hearing panelists and informal process facilitators” demonstrates an effort to create a participatory and inclusive justice process within the university.
   • Target 16.B: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development. The entire article is about the university’s implementation and enforcement of its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies through mandatory and optional training for its employees.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.A: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all. The training programs are a key component of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, free from harassment and discrimination, for students, faculty, and staff.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several process-based indicators that can be used to measure the implementation of these policies and training initiatives:

• Existence of a legal/policy framework to prevent discrimination: The article explicitly refers to “university policy” on non-discrimination and the “Title IX adjudication process,” indicating a formal institutional framework is in place.
• Number of training programs conducted: The article details three specific programs: the “Title VI Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment information session,” the “Title IX…Volunteer Training and Brunch,” and the “Optional Online Training.” The existence and execution of these events serve as a direct indicator of action.
• Number of staff and faculty trained: The article calls for registration for the Title IX training and mentions that an email with online training will be sent to “all faculty and staff.” This implies that the number of participants can be tracked as a measure of reach and engagement.
• Establishment of an inclusive adjudication process: The call for volunteers to serve in roles like “hearing panelists” and “informal process facilitators” is an indicator of the university’s effort to establish a participatory justice system.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.scranton.edu