University Times

Pitt has named its first full-time Title IX coordinator.

Catherine “Katie” Pope, formerly Title IX coordinator at Allegheny College, succeeds Carol W. Mohamed, former director of diversity and inclusion and also Title IX coordinator, who retired in June.

Federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits gender-based discrimination in all programs and activities in American institutions of higher education. These include, but are not limited to, admissions, advising, athletics, employment, financial aid, grievance procedures, housing, meal services and recreation.

Pope will focus on furthering the University’s commitment to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct, serve as a central resource for the University community on all issues related to Title IX and play a key role in Pitt’s efforts to build and sustain a safe, gender-equitable campus climate for all members of the university community, according to a release announcing her appointment.

Pamela Connelly, associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, said: “As Title IX coordinator, Katie Pope will design and implement strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing the University’s commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and respectful environment for all students, faculty and staff.”

Pope has broad experience in sexual-violence and sexual-harassment compliance education and training, with a specialized background in Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

Prior to working at Allegheny, she was the Title IX deputy coordinator at Purdue University and the executive director of the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support, a domestic-violence and sexual-assault shelter and outreach agency in Ames, Iowa. At the center she managed fundraising, grant oversight and community volunteering initiatives.

She also has worked in fundraising and development for nonprofit organizations and higher-education institutions, including Iowa State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center in Ames.

Pope earned a bachelor’s in English from the University of Dayton in 1996, a master’s in philanthropic studies from Indiana University in 1999 and a master’s in interdisciplinary studies from Iowa State University in 2005.

Pitt’s Title IX office is housed within the newly established Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The office provides leadership, resources, coordination and oversight for Pitt’s voluntary diversity initiatives as well as ensuring equal opportunity and compliance with related governmental requirements.