Last night the Working Group began the significant task of analyzing the information gathered during the listening phase. We still welcome comments, ideas, and suggestions until May 31. We were again joined by Leslie Gomez and Gina Smith from Pepper Hamilton, who are providing ongoing counsel.

We identified needs for further study and created a structure to develop specific recommendations by the July 15 deadline. Over the next three weeks, Working Group members will meet in subgroups to develop recommendations for the full group when we meet again for an all-day session on June 17. I will provide our next update following that meeting.

We reviewed our charge from President Anderson to track progress and focus our conversation.

Based on feedback collected through the listening process, we identified the following key areas that will outline our final recommendations. We discussed initial ideas and assigned members to the following subgroups:

• Title IX team structure and training
• Definitions provided in policy, including consent, incapacitation, stalking, etc.
• Reporting process, complaint resolution, and sanctions
• Ongoing policy and process assessment, and accountability
• Inclusivity and accessibility
• Support services, including the Sexual Assault Resource Network (SARN)
• Training for students and faculty/staff

Group members will consider the importance of communication and transparency as we develop recommendations in each topic area. We will be guided by the core values of dignity and justice, compassion and commitment, inclusion and participation, and respect for diversity — which we know are values shared by the St. Olaf community.

I am encouraged by the many ideas that have emerged so far and believe that our final recommendations will lead to meaningful change for the St. Olaf community.

Tim Maudlin ’73
Chair, Title IX Working Group

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