Higher Education Investigations
EPS investigators provide prompt, impartial, and thorough investigations not only for all types of employment related issues, but also for other concerns that arise in colleges and universities including requirements under Titles VI and IX, the federal statutes prohibiting certain types of discrimination in institutions receiving financial assistance.
As with any investigation, a well-trained, impartial, and thorough investigator who understands the importance of confidentiality, the investigative process, documentation, and the unique and complex legal context in academic settings is critical. Our consultants, all licensed attorneys and senior human resources professionals, have performed thousands of investigations over the past 30 years and are skilled in the complicated and often litigation-bound issues institutions face when an investigation is required in a campus setting.
Our consultants also have the background and skills to serve as effective fact witnesses and have faced every type of complaint including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and many other kinds of misconduct both in the private sector and within academia.
Title VI and IX Investigation & Consulting Services for Colleges and Universities
Navigating Title VI and IX compliance is a critical responsibility for colleges and universities. Ensuring that your institution has a robust, fair, and effective process for investigating complaints of sexual misconduct and discrimination or harassment based on sex or race is essential not only for legal compliance but also for fostering a safe and respectful campus environment for students, faculty, and university administration. Our Higher Education consulting services are designed to help educational institutions build and enhance their own investigation departments (whether specific to Title IX compliance or broad-based), ensuring they are fully equipped to handle investigations with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Consulting services may include:
- Department set-up, including structure, policy, and role definition
- Expert training and development – investigation techniques - including mitigating bias, legal and regulatory compliance, a trauma-informed approach, and on-going training as regulations evolve
- On-going support and consultation including climate assessments/gap analysis, or guidance for complex cases