Title IX Decision-Makers
Our expert Decision-Makers and Hearing Officers are your outsourced solution for facilitating compassionate, equitable, and thorough Title IX hearings.
Why Hire Independent Title IX Decison-Makers?
High Stakes
Title IX outcomes can be life-altering for students and employees as well as a source of liability for schools. Decision-Makers with the experience, skills, and confidence to oversee a live hearing and determine the outcome of a Title IX case are critical.
Neutrality
Additionally, external Decision-Makers (Hearing Officers) determine the outcome of a case independently from the school, minimizing possible concerns about biases or conflicts of interest as well as potential Title IX appeals or litigation.
Expertise
Title IX Solutions Decision-Makers are experts in the field and have conducted numerous hearings under the current Title IX Regulations. They follow best practices for facilitating pre-hearing meetings and hearings, questioning parties, and drafting determinations of responsibility.
Meet Our Decision-Makers
KIM L. KIRN
Independent Decision-Maker
PATRICIA A. RIEHL
Independent Decision-Maker
MARK A. WEIKER
Advisor, Decision-Maker & Investigator
KENNETH M. CHACKES
Independent Decision-Maker
MICHAEL T. JAMISON
Independent Decision-Maker
MELVIN D. KENNEDY
Independent Decision-Maker
ROBERT D. LITZ
Independent Decision-Maker
C.J. LARKIN
Independent Decision-Maker
JAMES W. REEVES
Independent Decision-Maker
ANN DAVIS SHIELDS
Independent Decision-Maker
Why Partner with us?
As experienced mediators and arbitrators, including retired judges and a former university counsel, our Decision-Makers have extensive experience evaluating evidence and witness credibility; determining the relevance of questions and evidence; maintaining authority during disciplinary proceedings; and drafting clear, concise, and compliant determinations.
Our Decision-Makers also recognize the importance of truly listening to each party’s story. They are kind, compassionate, and attentive while conducting hearings with fairness and equality for all involved parties.
All Title IX Decision-Makers have completed training required under Title IX as well as the training on the impact of trauma on involved parties and intersection of sexual violence and LGBTQ+ communities.
Looking for Title IX Training & Certifications?
Explore all training at the IX Institute →
What Do Our Decision-Maker (Hearing Officer) Services Include?
When a Title IX Solutions Decision-Maker is engaged by a school, the Decision-Maker will:
- Review the school’s Title IX or sexual harassment policy
- Evaluate the formal complaint, investigative report, and evidence
- Facilitate the pre-hearing meeting (if permitted under school policy)
- Oversee the live hearing with authority
- Question parties and witnesses
- Determine the relevance of questions asked during cross-examination
- Synthesize information from the investigation and hearing to consider the outcome of the case
- Analyze evidence and statements to determine responsibility
- Draft the written determination regarding responsibility
- Communicate with the school regarding sanctioning (if appropriate)
Depending on your institution’s needs and policy, schools may engage:
- Single Decision-Maker
- Hearing Panel (Two or more Decision-Makers)
- Hearing Officer Support (One or more Decision-Makers serving alongside internal Decision-Makers)
- Appeals Decision-Maker
Title IX Solutions administrators are also available to assist in the coordiantion and facilitation of the hearing, recording of the hearing, and/or provision of the hearing transcript at an additional cost.
Get in Touch!
Complete the form below to learn more about our Title IX professional services for K-12 and Higher Education administrators.
We help U.S. postsecondary institutions & K-12 schools in preparing for and responding to sexual harassment on campus.
Our Title IX experts include a network of investigators, hearing officers (or decision-makers), informal resolution facilitators, advisors, and policy consultants – all of whom are dedicated to supporting schools promptly and equitably throughout the Title IX grievance process.
We also offer virtual and on-campus expert-led Title IX trainings and certifications for all Title IX roles.