Title IX Coordinator

Pursuant to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and 34 C.F.R. Part 106, Eastern New Mexico University's Title IX coordinator is the designated agent of the University with primary responsibility for coordinating University Title IX compliance efforts. The Title IX coordinator's responsibilities are critical to the development, implementation and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX legislation, regulations and case law. In broad terms, the Title IX coordinator oversees:

  • Monitoring of University policy in relation to Title IX law developments
  • Implementing grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints
  • Providing educational materials and training for the campus community
  • Conducting and/or coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX
  • Ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties
  • Monitoring all other aspects of the University's Title IX compliance

Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 may be referred to ENMU's Title IX Coordinator or to the Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights of United States Department of Education.

ENMU's Title IX coordinator is:

Richard Sommer, JD
ENMU System Title IX Coordinator
Office Location: Quay Hall (QH), Room 109
Phone: 575.562.2235
Email: [email protected]

For inquiries to the Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights of United States Department of Education:

Duties and responsibilities related to the coordination of the University's Title IX compliance efforts include, but are not limited to:

  1. Notification and Education
    • Inform members of the campus community of Title IX rights and responsibilities.
    • Coordinate training for students and employees about their rights under Title IX, and ENMU's Title IX procedures.
  2. Consultation, Investigation and Disposition
    • Receive and process, in a timely manner, inquiries and/or complaints from students, faculty, staff and administrators regarding rights and responsibilities concerning harassing behavior or other discriminatory behavior in violation of Title IX.
    • Receive and process, in a timely manner, inquiries and/or complaints from third parties who report suspicion of harassing behavior or other discriminatory behavior in violation of Title IX.
    • Notify complainants of receipt of the complaint.
    • Notify supervisor(s) of respondent that complaint has been made.
    • Assign an investigator to investigate the alleged discrimination and/or harassment.
    • Review findings of fact and recommendations for disposition of complaints.
    • Notify all parties regarding disposition.
    • Notify complainants of his or her right to pursue remedies outside of the University grievance process.
    • Follow-up with parties regarding implementation of recommendations contained in disposition; seek assistance from parties' supervisors, if necessary to implement recommendations.
    • Monitor compliance of all requirements and timelines specified in the complaint/grievance procedures.
  3. Institutional Monitoring and Compliance Assurance
    • Coordinate and monitor Title IX efforts of other delegates and University offices that receive and/or investigate complaints including, but not limited to, Human Resources, student judiciaries and the ENMU Department of Public Safety.
    • Organize and maintain grievance files, disposition reports and other compiled records regarding complaints of sexual harassment and other discriminatory practices.
    • Remain knowledgeable of current state and federal law and regulations and trends in the field of education related to harassment and other discriminatory practices that violate Title IX.
    • Monitor University harassment policy and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal law and regulations.
    • Serve as a liaison officer to state and federal government compliance or investigation officers.