Staff Senate Newsletter • Jan. 9, 2020
2020 Spring Schedule - Important Dates!
- Last day to register: Jan. 9
- Late registration: Jan. 10 - 15
- First day of class: Jan. 13
See the website for more details.
Last but not least, our last two Staff Senate Spotlights of 2019!
Congratulations to Megan Cunningham, Assistant Director for Student Life and Katie McCoy, MPAC Event Coordinator! Read more.
Senate Bill 212—New Texas law requires UNT employees to report sexual misconduct they are aware of
New state legislation has been passed related to sexual misconduct that impacts every UNT employee.
Senate Bill 212 requires employees of public and private higher education institutions to report sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking against a student or employee to the institution’s Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Employees have always been required by UNT Policy to report instances of sexual misconduct, but this policy requirement is now a state law. Most importantly, as of January 1, 2020, the law requires the university to terminate any employee (including tenured faculty members) who is found to have failed to satisfy the mandatory reporting requirement. Additionally, failure to report sexual misconduct is a misdemeanor criminal offense.
Sexual misconduct is a violation of university policy and is inconsistent with the caring, creative community we value at UNT. The entire UNT community should understand the law, as it is currently interpreted. More information about the law may be found here.
All types of misconduct can be reported at report.unt.edu or via email at TitleIX@unt.edu. Contact information for Title IX Coordinators can be found online, along with additional information on sexual misconduct. They can be contacted to file a report or to answer questions regarding reporting requirements.
In an effort to better inform the University community of the requirements of the law, UNT’s Title IX Coordinator, Eve Shatteen Bell, is hosting two training sessions regarding Senate Bill 212. The training dates follow:
· Monday, January 27, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Gateway Center, Suite 131
· Thursday, February 27, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Gateway Center, Suite 132
Questions regarding Senate Bill 212 or the scheduled training sessions may be directed to 940.565.2759 or OEO@unt.edu.
OLLI at UNT January Open House
OLLI at UNT is a lifelong learning program with courses, events and trips designed by and for adults 50 and better. We are a community of curious minds, adventurous hearts and welcoming members. We hope you will join us for our January OLLI at UNT Open House on Wednesday, January 22 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm at the OLLI at UNT Office located at 1716 Scripture Street Denton, TX 76201. Please RSVP to olli@unt.edu.
See flyer for more information.
Equity and Diversity Conference – Save the Date!
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the UNT Union.
The UNT Equity and Diversity Conference turns 20 on 02-20-2020! Join the Division of Institutional Equity and Diversity for a day of professional development, networking, and coalition building. The 20th Equity and Diversity Conference is presented by Peterbilt and includes keynote addresses and workshops from thought leaders around topics related to social justice, identity, equity and inclusion.
Open to attendees at the University of North Texas and beyond, the conference seeks to broaden its scope by partnering with educational, non-profit, governmental, and corporate organizations to provide an enriching conference experience for those who participate in the conference on campus and via live stream.
Register online.
You are invited: come to a meeting!
Staff Senate meets once a month. The next meeting is Jan. 21, 2020 at 2 p.m. in the University Union, Room 332. Please note the earlier time.
Meetings are open to all UNT staff members. Please come and see what we are doing and get involved!
Be sure to check the website for meeting agendas and minutes.
Contact Us!
If you have an article, announcement or suggestion relating to this newsletter, contact Lisa Cuevas to have it included.