Staff in Focus

A look inside the role of Title IX coordinator

Megan Maneval — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:30:40 +0000

A look inside the role of Title IX coordinator Megan Maneval Wed, 12/04/2024 - 06:30

CU Boulder Today sat down with Llen (pronounced “Ellen”) Pomeroy to discuss her role as Title IX coordinator; the university's efforts to prevent discrimination and sexual misconduct; and how students, faculty and staff can access support and resources through the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).

Llen Pomeroy

What does your role as Title IX coordinator entail?

As CU Boulder’s Title IX coordinator, my job is to ensure the university complies with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights regulations. This means addressing issues like sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault as well as discrimination and harassment based on other protected class identities. My role is to ensure students, faculty and staff know their options and rights, and that our office has effective processes for educating our campus community about these issues and responding to reported incidents.

What exactly is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that protects against discrimination based on sex. It covers equal access to education in the general sense, but it also specifically covers sexual harassment, assault and other forms of gender-based violence that can impede access to university programs and activities. Title IX is one of many civil rights laws that aims to ensure that everyone in our university community has access to an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

What should someone expect when they come to OIEC?

Anyone who comes to OIEC can expect a quick and personalized response that provides information about their rights and resources. People impacted by misconduct can contact our office if they are members of our university community or if an incident involves someone affiliated with the university. Misconduct does not have to occur on our campus for our office to be able to address it. We’ll help them understand the processes for addressing concerns and connect them to support resources on and off campus.

We also connect impacted individuals with free and confidential campus advocacy and counseling services through the Office of Victim Assistance, which responds to traumatic or disruptive life events. Whether someone wants to pursue a formal resolution process or explore other options, we’re here to understand their experience and offer the resources and resolution options that best meet their needs.

Is everything shared with the OIEC kept confidential?

Information that is reported to the OIEC is not shared publicly except as required by law (such as through a court order, subpoena or authorized government agency). Privacy laws protect student records (which include OIEC records) and we do not share information with parents or guardians unless a student specifically requests that we do so. Case details and outcomes, involving students or employees, are only shared with those with a legitimate need to know. This could include, for example, sharing information with an employee’s disciplinary authority for sanctioning.

OIEC enforces four university policies to ensure nondiscrimination for students, staff, faculty, volunteers, affiliates and visitors:

Protected class nondiscrimination
Sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence and stalking
Conflict of interest in cases of amorous relationships
Lactation space

What are some common misconceptions about your office or Title IX?

One misconception is that we don’t follow up on every report. That is not true. We follow up on everything that comes into our office—and we do so quickly, typically within the same business day. OIEC conducts an initial review of any incident reported to evaluate the appropriate course of action. This includes assessing the nature of the allegations, offering supportive measures, and identifying any immediate safety concerns.

Some concerns warrant a formal investigation, and it is the role of OIEC investigators to explain the investigative process transparently so that individuals can decide whether they wish to pursue this option. In other cases, the alleged behavior may not meet the severe or pervasive threshold set by law, but that doesn’t mean the behavior goes unaddressed.

Some people choose not to engage with any process or they want the OIEC to keep a record of their concerns for a later time. That’s perfectly fine, and individuals can decide at any time to circle back and pursue a resolution option. Other than rare instances where a threat to campus safety necessitates OIEC to take immediate action to address alleged conduct, we want people to feel empowered to determine how and when their concern is handled. The goal of reporting is to mitigate the impact, facilitate support and prevent further harm.

How can members of the campus contact you or get involved?

Right now, undergraduate and graduate students can make an important contribution to addressing sexual assault and other interpersonal harm by participating in the Sexual Assault and Related Harms Survey. It’s well understood that not everyone reports or uses support services after traumatic experiences, and administering this survey helps us better understand a wider range of experiences or the less commonly known realities of students. The survey is open until Dec. 6, and students can use the unique link in their CU email to participate anonymously.

People can report incidents via our online form or email cureport@colorado.edu. And if you’re interested in contributing to prevention, we’re always supporting students, faculty and staff to engage in practices that improve community support to prevent or reduce the impact of harm. Visit the OIEC website to learn more.

Llen Pomeroy discusses her role on campus, the university’s efforts to prevent discrimination and sexual misconduct, and how the campus community can get help through campus support services and resources.

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Faces of Leeds: Russell Jeans

Megan Maneval — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:28:55 +0000

Faces of Leeds: Russell Jeans Megan Maneval Tue, 11/19/2024 - 12:28

For Russell Jeans, the director of campus accounting at CU Boulder, as well as a lecturer at the Leeds School of Business, curiosity counts a lot. It has contributed to a meaningful journey across cultures, continents and careers.

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Fortepiano refurb is a labor of love

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:13:32 +0000

Fortepiano refurb is a labor of love Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/02/2024 - 08:13

College of Music

Piano Technician Mark Mikkelsen—who has supported the care and maintenance of the College of Music’s fleet of 160 pianos, two harpsichords and an organ—was thrilled when the opportunity arose to rebuild, refurbish and restore one of two fortepianos donated to the college.

Piano Technician Mark Mikkelsen—who supports the care and maintenance of the College of Music’s fleet of 160 pianos, two harpsichords and an organ—used ingenuity to rebuild, refurbish and restore a donated fortepiano.

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Sergeant reflects on department’s 75-year history, his inspiration to serve

Anonymous — Thu, 23 May 2024 17:37:04 +0000

Sergeant reflects on department’s 75-year history, his inspiration to serve Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/23/2024 - 11:37

Editor’s note: Throughout 2024, CUPD is commemorating its 75th anniversary by sharing historical tidbits, member profiles and communicating its vision for the future.

Sergeant Matt DeLaria followed in his father’s footsteps, not only entering into law enforcement but specifically joining the police department at CU Boulder. The father-son officers even served together as detectives for a few years, before the elder DeLaria retired.

The past 25 years at CUPD have formed the foundation of DeLaria’s professional life, and they’ve had a profound impact on his personal life. He met his wife in the department (she was an emergency dispatcher), and to this day, he says people hear his last name and recall fond memories of his dad, the late Detective Tim DeLaria.

Left: CUPD Detective Tim DeLaria (retired) and Sergeant Matt DeLaria at his police academy graduation in April 1999. Right: Sergeant Matt DeLaria present day.

“He was known throughout the county and the state. His forte was investigations, and he was a detective for most of his career. He had a great impact on campus and on me,” DeLaria said.

After years of hearing stories around the dinner table, DeLaria entered the police academy and then began his own career with CUPD in January of 1999. He’s been with CUPD for a third of its 75-year history.

“The job we do hasn’t really changed that much in 25 years,” he said. “The how we do the job has changed, though, with technology.” DeLaria has seen the advent of department-issued cell phones, body-worn cameras and constant connectivity. But he notes that the type of calls CUPD officers go on now remain largely unchanged.

DeLaria said the way officers respond to calls has advanced, as the profession has adapted to provide better resources targeting the mental health needs of the community. CUPD has an embedded mental health clinician and an embedded victim advocate, and officers receive specialized training in trauma-informed interview techniques, inclusive language and more, to best serve the campus population.

“When I started, I had zero intention of staying in one place for my entire career,” DeLaria said. But the draw of university policing was strong. “It’s a unique environment. I love being outside, walking around, driving around,” he said. And working with students, faculty and staff lends itself to a special type of community policing. “We get to work a lot of really cool events and have opportunities I don’t think I’d get anywhere else.”

DeLaria has been promoted several times within CUPD, has served on the Boulder Police Department S.W.A.T. team, and will soon move into supervision of events and emergency management in the department. “I’ve been really fortunate to have so many opportunities during my time here.”

Just like his father before him, DeLaria plans to serve CU Boulder and CUPD, which is part of the university’s Division of Public Safety, for 30 years, making a positive and long-lasting impact in a profession that is ever growing and changing.

Matt DeLaria, a second-generation CU Boulder police officer, followed his father’s footsteps, not only going into law enforcement but specifically joining the campus police department.

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Mother and son serve together as CU Boulder police officers

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:04:38 +0000

Mother and son serve together as CU Boulder police officers Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/17/2023 - 13:04

The CU Boulder Police Department is home to a unique pair. One is embarking on a new career; the other, going back to the work she’s always loved. And they can talk about their shared passion at the family dinner table.

Left to right: Officer Cathy Chestnut, Boulder Municipal Judge Jeff Cahn, CUPD Chief Doreen Jokerst and Officer Matt Dillon (October 2023)

For new CUPD Officer Cathy Chestnut, it’s a homecoming of sorts. Chestnut served as an officer under the command of CU Boulder Police Chief Doreen Jokerst for many years at a different Colorado agency, as Jokerst rose through the ranks at the Parker Police Department.

For Chestnut’s son, newly sworn CUPD Officer Matt Dillon, choosing a career in policing came as naturally as listening to his mother’s advice. “My mom always told me to follow my heart, and it brought me here,” said Dillon, who graduated in June from the Community College of Aurora’s police academy, the same academy his mother completed in 2005.

Dillon's decision to join CUPD was also influenced by serving in the United States Marine Corps for five years. “I learned it’s no longer about me; it’s about the person to the left and right of me,” said Dillon, who decided he could apply the same service mindset closer to home.

Chestnut was most recently the voice on the other end of the line for those who called 911 on campus. “I was hired as a dispatcher in January of 2023. During my time in dispatch, I realized that my place was back on patrol, as I feel I have a lot to contribute with my training and experience,” she said.

Both mother and son say they’ve felt supported at CU Boulder. “I love working at CUPD because everyone has been warm, welcoming and extremely supportive of my transition to patrol,” said Chestnut.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work here,” said Dillon. “The ability to serve this campus feels like protecting the future,” he added.

A shared passion for community service has drawn two generations to the same career, on the same campus.

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Former football player back on field in a different uniform

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:37:17 +0000

Former football player back on field in a different uniform Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/05/2023 - 11:37

The CU Boulder Police Department has always had a visible presence when the Buffs play in Folsom Field, with all officers required to work home football games in some capacity or another. However, this football season looks and feels a little bit different.

CUPD Officer Marc Mustoe (foreground) accompanies Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders onto Folsom Field at the start of the Sept. 30 game vs. USC.

Along with the usual officers on patrol, dispatchers taking calls and roughly 10 partner agencies helping to ensure game day safety, the arrival of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has meant more than sold-out games and record-breaking merchandise sales—and CUPD’s Marc Mustoe has a front row seat to it all.

Mustoe, a former CU Buffaloes offensive tackle who graduated in 2015 with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, is back on the field. This time, he’s assigned to provide security to Coach Prime, along with the coach’s two full-time security guards.

Working as a liaison between the police department and the football program gives Mustoe a chance to combine his passion for football with his desire to have a positive impact on the team and its young players.

“As a former player and a Buff for life, I felt I could relate well,” he said. “I know what it’s like to be in the locker room. Now I have a different perspective from my new role in life, and I want to give back. I want to be a resource for the players as a police officer,” he added.

“As a native of Colorado, the Buffs have always been my team! It was a dream come true playing college football here and having my parents in the stands every home game,” said Mustoe, who transitioned from student athlete to police officer in 2016.

While his family may not be in Folsom Field on Saturdays this time around, Mustoe does have the full support of Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst. “There are so many strong partnerships involved in supporting large events such as football games, and we appreciate them all. CUPD is proud to have one of our own team members contribute in this unique way,” she said.

When Mustoe hung up his cleats after the 2014 football season, he thought his days of running onto the turf at Folsom Field were over. Now, he’s back on the gridiron and savoring every moment.

“It's a great honor, and one of the best feelings in the world,” said Mustoe. “I love seeing CU football being elevated and part of the national conversation as it should be. I feel very blessed to be in this position.”

In his current role, as part of his duties, CUPD Officer Marc Mustoe navigates larger, louder crowds and an “electric” atmosphere to support security efforts for head football coach Deion Sanders.

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‘A Boulder treasure’—Joan McLean Braun’s career at CU Presents

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:20:18 +0000

‘A Boulder treasure’—Joan McLean Braun’s career at CU Presents Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/27/2023 - 07:20

CU Presents is celebrating the inspiring, illustrious career of longtime Executive Director Joan McLean Braun, who will retire at the end of this academic year.

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Former Olympian Andy LeRoy enters 2nd season as CU ski coach

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:59:48 +0000

Former Olympian Andy LeRoy enters 2nd season as CU ski coach Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/17/2022 - 09:59

LeRoy is CU’s 18th head ski coach, replacing Richard Rokos after more than three decades with the Buffs. The former Olympian discusses leading CU’s only coed athletic team, what inspired him to coach and ways to generate revenue for collegiate skiing.

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In the business of making dreams come true—Get to know Ofelia Morales

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 20:42:18 +0000

In the business of making dreams come true—Get to know Ofelia Morales Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 11/08/2022 - 13:42

Get to Know is a series highlighting community through the unique perspectives, interests and involvements of our faculty and staff members at CU Boulder. In this issue, learn more about Ofelia Morales’ corner of campus.

Morales is from Pueblo, Colorado. She began her financial aid career as a work-study student in 1991 at the University of Southern Colorado—now CSU-Pueblo—where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master of business administration. She has over 26 years of financial aid experience and has held director level positions at CSU-Pueblo, the New Mexico Higher Education Department and CU Boulder.

In May, Morales was promoted to assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management, where she oversees the Admissions Office, Bursar’s Office and the Office of Financial Aid. The role is key in ensuring recruitment and enrollment plans improve the campus’s academic profile, maintain access, promote inclusive excellence, increase enrollment, meet campus recruitment and revenue goals, and diversify the student body.

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

When asked what I do, I like to say, “I'm in the business of making dreams come true.” My own dream started in the seventh grade when I stepped foot on a college campus for the very first time. As a first-generation student, I conquered what felt like the impossible by earning a bacherlor's in social work and an MBA.

I wholeheartedly believe my education changed the trajectory of my life, and I love doing work that makes this dream possible for others. I do this by providing leadership to the Admissions, Financial Aid and Bursar's offices and by collaborating with just about everyone on campus to ensure we recruit, support, retain and graduate students who are pursuing their educational dreams.

Ofelia Morales, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management

Read other Get to Know Q&As

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

I've been involved in the UndocuNetwork since it began. This is a group of campus leaders, faculty, staff and students who come together to identify ways our campus can better support our undocumented students. I feel completely energized every time we meet because we all care deeply about the unique issues and challenges these students face.

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

Professionally, I'm most proud of all the financial aid programs we've expanded or implemented over the years, such as CU Promise, ASSET grants, Impact Scholarships and first-generation scholarships. However, during the pandemic, I've never seen this staff pour so much of their time and dedication into administering emergency grants. In total, we provided over $50 million in emergency grant aid to students impacted by COVID-19 and the Marshall Fire. It was a true team effort, and I will never forget what it was like to lead the team through something this extraordinary.

Personally, I'm proud of the lessons I've learned as a mother. My children are now adults, ages 27 and 24. They may not have followed the path that I dreamed for them, but they are walking confidently in their own path, and I couldn't be prouder.

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

What I love most about being on a college campus is the opportunity to see guest speakers. My two favorites have been Laverne Cox and Viola Davis, who both have incredible life stories. I was so inspired by both of their powerful messages. These are events I will never forget.

What is your current office like?

It is still a very interesting time. Lots of hybrid and remote work is still happening, and students do not come into our offices as often as they did before the pandemic. The topic of staff engagement and retention is top of mind, and I'm hopeful we'll create sustainable plans on how we move forward in a post-pandemic world.

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

Pekoe Sip House in ATLAS. Seriously, the best chai latte I've ever had.

A first-generation student, she now works to support CU Boulder students who are pursuing their educational dreams. She's passionate about the UndocuNetwork group on campus and knows where to find the best chai latte. Learn more about Ofelia Morales.

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Video: Pioneering the resilient infrastructure of the future

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:21:47 +0000

Video: Pioneering the resilient infrastructure of the future Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/29/2022 - 16:21

Associate Professor Shideh Dashti discusses her research on geotechnical engineering, centrifuge modeling and designing resilient infrastructure in the wake of earthquakes and climate-related natural disasters.

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Staff in Focus

A look inside the role of Title IX coordinator

What does your role as Title IX coordinator entail?

What exactly is Title IX?

What should someone expect when they come to OIEC?

Is everything shared with the OIEC kept confidential?

What are some common misconceptions about your office or Title IX?

How can members of the campus contact you or get involved?

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In the business of making dreams come true—Get to know Ofelia Morales

Without saying your title, describe who you serve on campus and what you do.

Beyond your unit, what is a campus group or effort you are involved in or want to highlight?

What are you most proud of professionally or personally?

What are your favorite spots or moments on campus?

What is your current office like?

What is the best-kept secret on campus?

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Video: Pioneering the resilient infrastructure of the future

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