Update on Investigation of Title IX and Related Issues

President Maxey sent the following to faculty, staff and students today. 

Regarding: Investigation of Title IX and Related Issues

As a follow-up to my previous announcement that Roanoke College is planning to conduct an investigation into concerns alleging misconduct by the former Title IX Coordinator, I am announcing today that the College has retained Karen Michael, Esq. to conduct an independent third-party investigation.

Ms. Michael brings 27 years of employment law and HR consulting expertise, and has conducted Title IX investigations at several universities in the private and public sector. She also is an established investigator who will conduct a thorough, impartial and objective review of the facts, and provide me and the Board of Trustees with her findings. Ms. Michael has no prior affiliation with Roanoke College, and can investigate the matter entirely independently.

This matter is extremely urgent, and Ms. Michael plans to begin the investigation immediately. She has already begun collecting documentation and developing an investigation plan. The investigation is expected to last approximately eight weeks, but the length will be determined by the number of witnesses.

To that end, Ms. Michael is seeking the help from our College community to evaluate the allegations. The College cannot share names of former complainants without permission from the student. 

Therefore, she is asking anyone with relevant experience with the former Title IX Coordinator (positive, negative or indifferent) to contact her for an interview. She has set up a private email at RCwpinvestigation@gmail.com or you can call her office at (804) 423-2542. Someone from her office will reach out to schedule an interview at your convenience, which will be conducted by phone, virtually through video, or in person. All names and information will remain confidential. 

To be successful in reviewing the matter, it is critical that members of our community reach out to Ms. Michael and participate in this investigation. 

At the conclusion of the investigation Ms. Michael will prepare an independent report of findings.  I will share the report with our Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees and I will decide what future actions need to be taken, based on the results of the investigation.

I encourage anyone with personal experience with a Title IX matter to speak with her. Current students and recent graduates are especially encouraged to reach out. 

I also remind everyone that Sandy McGhee, our College coordinator for care and support for survivors, is available for support and to connect you to College and local resources. Sandy can be reached at McGhee@roanoke.edu.

Additionally, I want to let you know that Vice President Aaron Fetrow is now interim Title IX Coordinator and will remain in this role throughout the entirety of the review process.

Upon conclusion of the investigation the College will follow up regarding the findings and share actions to be taken as a result of the investigation.  We have heard you and are moving with purpose towards resolution.