West Liberty University students have another professional available this fall for assistance in matters that involve possible Title IX infractions.
“We’re excited to offer another confidential resource on campus to our students,” said Kate Billings, Title IX coordinator and director of Student Activities.
The assistance comes in the form of an employee of the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center, Lindsay Manor, who will act as a Campus Advocate/Prevention Specialist.
“West Liberty University has offered Lindsay both office space and assistance in setting up her office here on campus. She will be located in the suite where Campus Counseling is housed, which is in the College Union,” added Billings, who has acted as Title IX coordinator for about five years.
A native of Tennessee, Manor is a 2022 WLU graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy. She now resides in Wheeling and is enrolled now in WLU’s master’s program in Creative Art Therapy and Counseling.
She began her activities by speaking to 55 Resident Assistants at today’s orientation on the topic of bystander intervention.
“I look forward to offering accessibility to students who seek a victim’s advocate,” Manor said. “I will listen to the students and offer resources that are available, like support groups and other outreach. I hope to allow students another emotional outlet for trauma.”
Manor will not play a role in the legal matter of Title IX investigations.
Manor is also serving at Bethany College and Wheeling University in her campus advocate role and will split her time between the three local schools, on a daily basis.
“I am also pleased to report that the sexual assault center professionals performed a ‘safety report’ with us that is useful as we begin the new school year and prepare to welcome our students back to campus. This report allows us to address any safety issues that we have and correct them,” Billings said.
“Nothing is more important than our students’ safety and we are grateful for this partnership with the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Center,” Billings said.
Billing’s duties as Title IX coordinator fall under the supervision of WLU’s Office of DEI, led by Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Monique L. Akassi.
WLU students begin the move-in process this Friday, Aug. 19 as new and transfer students begin to transition into their dorms and apartments. Returning students move-in on Saturday and Sunday.
