Note: This committee was a part of Phase I which is now completed. For further information please visit the Council Progress page.

The Gender and Sex-Based Discrimination Prevention (GSBDP) Task Force was split into eight subcommittees, each with a separate charge and committee members, listed below.

  • Communication
  • Informal Dispute Resolution
  • External Partners
  • Review of Existing Practices
  • Ally Program
  • Employee Responsibility
  • Graduate Students
  • Program Assessment

Communications

Charge

Implement a comprehensive strategy to communicate values, processes, policies, supports and resources related to Gender and Sex Based Discrimination including Title IX and other sexual misconduct.

  • Work with Equal Opportunity and Outreach (EOO) and Student Conduct on the in progress redesign of their websites to more clearly inform members of the community about UMass Lowell (UML) values, definitions of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender discrimination, sexual harassment and misconduct policies and procedures and resources available, options for reporting including clearly articulated rights of all individuals involved in the reporting and review process, and to ensure easy access via mobile devices.   
  • Increase messages about the importance of reporting suspected violations 
  • Take advantage of unconventional communication methods such as the Stall Street Journals in residence halls and other bathrooms where they now appear (University Crossing) to promote messages about sexual harassment and violence, training opportunities, and related events.
  • Identify and clearly communicate the rights of all individuals involved in the reporting and review process.  
  • Make complaint boxes available, both physically and online, to increase opportunities for anonymous reporting.
Membership
  • Jill Gambon, University Relations (chair)
  • Marshall Greenleaf, Residence Life
  • Sara Marks, Library
  • Jonathan Silverman, English

Informal Dispute Resolution

Charge

Explore best practices for alternative options for informal dispute resolution including mediation and other programs such as restorative justice to address appropriate formal complaints when both parties agree to participate in this process.

Membership

  • Annie Ciaraldi, Student Affairs (chair)
  • Aida Kadic-Galeb, Mathematics
  • Kate Legee, Student Conduct
  • Hunter Mack, Mechanical Engineering 
  • Christos Protonotarios, Plastics Engineering
  • Thomas Shields, Sociology
  • Matthew Szekeley, Enrollment Events 
  • Weile Yan, Civil Engineering

External Partners

Charge

Explore partnerships with local organizations that are not mandated reporters, such as the Center for Hope and Healing, to provide additional resources and support on campus. This work could be extended to Commonwealth agencies/programs and foundations as well.

Membership

  • Susi Remold, Biological Science (chair)
  • Derek Berger, Advancement
  • Joseph Pitti, Campus Recreation
  • Robin Toof, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) / Service Learning

Review of Existing Practices

Charge

Review relevant university practices to align them with our values and increase the university community’s trust in our commitment to equity, inclusion and a safe learning and working environment through messaging, campaigns and visibility.

Membership

  • Javier Horta, Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences (chair)
  • Kim Casey, Human Resources (chair)
  • Wael Kamal, FAHSS
  • Anne Maglia, Research
  • Matt Nugent, Sciences 
  • Jim Packard, Information Technology
  • Jean Robinson, Facilities Management

Ally Program

Charge

Use existing models for networks of trained ambassadors used across the university including our student allies’ programs, Making WAVES, Harbormasters and exploring other best practice models at other higher education institutions. Aim is to develop a framework for the role of “ambassadors” as recommended by the Task Force and to initiate a pilot network. Convene leaders of current allies’ programs to work together to look at gaps, ways to coordinate and develop action plan for ways to enhance. e.g., student affairs, EOO / Human Resources (HR), WAVES and any other groups that already sponsor ally-type activities.

Membership

  • Joyita Dutta, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Murat Inalpolat, Mechanical Engineering 
  • Meghan Jordan, Campus Recreation
  • Cecil Joseph, Physics
  • Yun Ling Li, Center for Women and Work
  • Maria Morrissey, Facilities Management
  • Sue O'Neill, College-Based Advising
  • Lauren Trapasso, Athletics 

Employee Responsibility

Charge

Work with labor relations and bring the following recommendations to the Union:

  • Require sexual harassment/misconduct based on the community members' leadership role to promote a culture of respect and caring.
  • Require specialized training for individuals entering roles in which they will have formal or informal power over other individuals or groups. Training should be tailored to the dynamics associated with the role they are entering
  • Mandatory training for all university leaders, managers and supervisors and create a structure of accountability across the university, increasing standards and expectations for topic leaders through various training opportunities.  

Membership

  • Jeff Connors, University Police (chair)
  • Jennifer Percival, Business (chair)
  • Dhimiter Bello, Health Sciences
  • Johanna Choo, Biological Sciences
  • T.J. McCarthy, Facilities Management 
  • Nick Piscitello, Administrative Services
  • Michael Rutherford, Human Resources
  • Richard Serna, FAHSS
  • Katharine Webster, University Relations

Graduate Students

Charge

Review of the experience and needs of graduate students and collaborate with stakeholders to implement responsive strategies. 

Membership

  • Chris Hansen, Engineering (chair)
  • Sabrina Rapisarda, Student (chair)
  • Diana Dellogono, Campus Recreation 
  • Hannah Monbleau, Student Affairs (graduate student)
  • Viktor Podolskiy, Physics

Program Assessment

Charge

Engage in ongoing and continuous assessment of the effectiveness of education/training programs to ensure that evidence-informed initiatives are being used.  

Membership

  • Kerry Donohoe, Provost Office (chair)
  • Paula Haines, Provost Office
  • Jill Lohmeier, Education