Faculty/Staff News Now: Jacqueline Fausnight Is New Compliance Investigator; Bill Morris Instructs at Honors College; Geauga Campus Unveils 2022 Renovation; April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month; Health Coaching and Nutrition Counseling; SafeColleges

Compliance Investigator Comes Back to Kent State University

Jacqueline Fausnight is Kent State’s new Compliance Investigator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator in the Division of Human Resources. She previously worked at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) as an associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion and Title IX coordinator, where she was primarily responsible for updating Title IX policy and procedures, coordinating campus-wide events celebrating diversity and inclusivity, and overseeing aspects of the employee hiring process, among other things.

“Kent State and the Division of Human Resources welcomes Jacqueline Fausnight as a member of the HR compliance function, said Jack Witt, vice president of Human Resources. “We are excited to have her joining our team of professionals who ensure that key university policies and procedures are applied effectively, with the goal of enhancing the university as a positive and inclusive place where students and employees can thrive.”

Before NEOMED, Jacqueline served as a title IX civil rights investigator in the Equity and Civil Rights Compliance office at Ohio University. In that position, she investigated allegations of discrimination and harassment involving students, faculty and staff. Other responsibilities included documenting all investigative materials, communications and outreach; identifying and reviewing literature, policies, legal interpretations and guidance relevant to the university’s compliance obligations.

Jacqueline also held a position as a graduate assistant in the Office of Admissions at Kent State University and interned in various offices across campus.

She received three degrees from Kent State University: a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Personnel, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Jacqueline also earned a certificate in Career and Academic Advising as a Golden Flash and is certified in numerous Title IX training and civil rights courses.

A current resident of Kent, Jacqueline lives with her fiancé, John, and their three cats. She enjoys hiking, cooking and home remodeling.


First Generation College Grad Teaches Honors Course

Freshman Honors Colloquium Professor Balances Remote Instruction While Working on Dissertation

Freshman Honors Colloquium professor Bill Morris is a first-generation college graduate currently preparing to defend his dissertation at Kent State. 

Morris grew up in a small, rural area in California. He initially did not plan on attending college, but ended up being the first in his family to do so. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and then received his bachelor’s degrees in English and Philosophy from Humboldt State University, a public university located in Arcata, California. Read the full story.


Kent State Geauga Unveils Summer 2022 Renovation Plans

Improvements Include New Student Commons Area & Nursing Skills Lab

By Estelle R. Brown

“Although we’ve been in crisis mode for over a year now, ‘we are thriving; not just surviving!’” declared Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Angela Spalsbury as she announced new renovation plans for Kent State University at Geauga.

In a Zoom presentation on February 24, Spalsbury unveiled architectural renderings of a new Student Learning Commons area and Nursing Skills Lab & Classroom. The virtual tour demonstrated how the renovation will maximize the existing 5,000-square-foot floorspace, effectively adding 2,000 square feet to the current configuration. Exterior enhancements will include new Kent State signage at the updated patio. Read the full story.


April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year Kent State University and the Office of Sexual & Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS) is looking to engage all members of our community in raising awareness and educating the community about what we can all do to prevent sexual assault.

College campuses across the nation are facing a serious problem and unfortunately, the numbers do not lie. The issue of power-based personal violence (sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking) is an issue of significant concern on college campuses.

Here at Kent State University, we believe in working together to make sure all are welcome and safe.

Throughout the month there are many events to raise awareness on Sexual Assault and to show survivors we support them. They include:

  • Every Tuesday in April: Teal Tuesdays- Show support for SAAM by posting a picture of you wearing teal and tagging SRVSS social media and using the hashtag #KSUSAAM2021
  • April 6, at 5 p.m. on Zoom: In their shoes, walking the path of a survivor
  • April 8, at 6 p.m. on Zoom: The Self- Love Movement- a virtual discussion about radical self-love and a progressive relaxation exercise
  • April 21, at 6 p.m. on Zoom: I am Evidence- movie screening followed by a Q&A panel
  • April 28, Denim Day - Show support for SAAM by posting a picture of you wearing denim and tagging SRVSS social media and using the hashtag #KSUSAAM2021

SRVSS looks forward to coming together as a community to learn, engage, and support one another. For more information on Sexual Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault, visit the SRVSS website.


Complimentary Health Coaching and Nutrition Counseling for Employees 

Are you striving for better health but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you have a specific health goal but seek expertise and accountability. If either of these statements resonate, you may consider scheduling a health coaching or nutrition counseling session with Be Well Solutions. During an individualized session, your certified health coach or registered dietitian will support you in setting short-term and long-term goals and provide an evidence-based approach to assist you in working toward those goals.  

Health coaching and nutrition counseling is available year-round and is confidential, complimentary and unlimited for full-time, benefits-eligible staff and faculty.* To schedule a session, login to your Be Well portal and click on "Virtual/Telephonic Nutrition Counseling and Health Coaching" under "My Appointments." For those participating in the Wellness Rewards program, each session is worth 10 Tier 2 points, and you can earn up to 50 points for health coaching and up to 40 points for nutrition counseling per reward program year.

For questions regarding wellness offerings for faculty and staff, please contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu, or 330-672-0392.   

*All Kent State employees, as well as household members, dependents and parents and parents-in-law, can receive nutrition counseling through Impact Solutions. To schedule an appointment, call Impact at 1-800-227-6007. 


Reminder: SafeColleges Training

Training and Development uses SafeColleges, Vector Solutions, as our online compliance training vendor. The trainings are designed specifically for higher education institutions. Thousands of academic administrators have selected award-winning systems to make campuses even safer places to work and learn.

The Learning Management System is user-friendly, more accessible for all eight campuses, and can reach more participants for Beyond Compliance (BC) initiatives and more. Offerings are available as you need them. Reminder notices are sent even if employees have completed training requirements. Simply ignore the reminders if they do not apply to you.  

Please check with your supervisor regarding your performance appraisal due date, as you may want to complete your training hours beforehand. Time adjustments are alloted since the courses vary in length and include a quiz. Courses less than 30 minutes will count for 30 minutes of BC hours. Courses 30 minutes or more will count for one hour of BC.

Contact HR Training and Development with questions at 330-672-2100, or email hrd@kent.edu.

POSTED: Monday, April 12, 2021 08:49 AM
Updated: Friday, April 9, 2021 04:08 PM