COVID-19 Update: Title IX Compliance, Virtual Study Abroad, Executive Pay Cuts

(From The 74 Million) Schools that have accepted loans under the Paycheck Protection Program must now prepare for the added responsibilities of compliance with Title IX. Megan Farrell, Title IX and Civil Rights Officer, recommends three areas of focus:

• Understand the school’s obligation to stop the harassment remedy the effects of the harassment and prevent the harassment from occurring in the future when the school learns of a Title IX matter.
• Take steps to ensure an immediate, reasoned response to any Title IX matter. Schools should identify a designated point person and review their mental health support systems to ensure everyone feels safe and confident that the school is taking the matter seriously.
• Address what safety measures may be necessary and in complicated cases seek the advice of an expert or counsel. In many instances, this may mean altering students’ schedules and/or participation in school-sponsored activities.

More at The 74 Million

(From Inside Higher Ed and Monitor ICEF) Nearly all countries in the world have introduced some type of restriction on international travel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization. With no clear timeline for putting students on planes again, colleges and the independent study abroad provider organizations have begun planning for various scenarios for fall and have rolled out new virtual exchange programs, such as virtual international internships, as well as hybrid options. For example, even if travel warnings and restrictions are lifted, study abroad programs will have to consider a whole new set of issues around student health and safety before they can resume in-person programming.

More at Inside Higher Ed and Monitor ICEF

(From The New York Times) National Public Radio is cutting executives’ pay by 10-25% and discretionary spending across the board to make up for an estimated $12-$15 million budget shortfall due to declines in corporate sponsorship. These moves are aimed at avoiding any layoffs at this time. The organization will also draw on critical reserves to support programming and not compromise its mission, and assess further steps in late May or June, when a clearer picture may emerge. 

More at The New York Times