Monday marked the first open forum in the search for the University’s next Title IX coordinator.
When considering who will fill this role, it is essential that the University continue to solicit input from students, while also ensuring that the new coordinator embodies some of the necessary traits to hold such a position.
Open forums like the one Monday provide a key platform for students and other faculty members to voice what they believe is important in a candidate. By collecting information on what attendees consider to be strengths and weaknesses of the applicant, the University can ensure the best coordinator is hired.
However, there are some traits, when considering the new position, which should be non-negotiable.
The most important of which is the coordinator must be extremely adept in understanding the world of Title IX. That is to say, they must understand compliance along with the oftentimes complex regulations that come with this law.
Couple this trait with the quality of being a quick thinker. Whoever is selected for this position must ensure that they can think quickly on their feet. The person needs to be able to adapt to various situations that training may not have covered.
Additionally, it is vital that the candidate is excellent with students and working with people from all corners of the campus community. The coordinator’s goal should be to create an environment for students that serves as a second home, where students can be open and candid. As Chancellor Carol Folt puts it, the person must love the job — and love the students.
It is no secret that the future Title IX coordinator will have a lot on his or her plate. Selecting someone who has all these necessary traits will guarantee success at UNC.
