SDSU Creates New Title IX Position
Sara Vogel joined SDSUs Title IX team as the new Title IX and Student Conduct Investigator.
Former California State University, San Marcos Associate Director of Residence Life Sara Vogel joined San Diego State University’s Title IX team as the new Title IX and Student Conduct Investigator in March.“I am really happy that this position was created in that we can outreach and positively affect the community here at SDSU.”
SDSU Title IX Coordinator Jessica Rentto said the new position was created because additional time and expertise was needed to focus on students seeking Title IX resources.
“Over the past few years, I think due in part to the increased dialogue nationwide about issues of sexual violence on college campuses, we have seen a lot more people who are aware of the issue and so more people are coming forward and seeking resources,” Rentto said.
She said Vogel’s position allows sexual assault complaints by students to be addressed by one individual who can provide additional time to support prevention and outreach efforts.
Faculty and staff ultimately report to her regarding Title IX complaints, and she reaches out to students to check in with them.
Students are also able to visit her office to get more information on the rights and options they have based on the California State University system’s executive orders.
Vogel will connect with the sexual assault victims and their professors if they need academic accommodation. If victims decide to take it into an investigation, she speaks with all people involved.
“Ultimately, I make sure that they have what they need,” Vogel said.
Rentto said Vogel was hired because she demonstrated a devotion to serving students and their education.
“Her commitment on student development and student success was evident and she demonstrated it through her prior professional experiences,” said Rentto.
Vogel is a graduate of University of the Pacific, where she worked as a resident advisor. She went to graduate school in Florida and transferred to North Carolina State, where she earned a master’s degree of education in counseling and student development.
Since moving to San Diego in 2013, Vogel has dealt mainly with on-campus residential life. She was UC San Diego’s assistant director of Residence Life before working at CSU San Marcos.
Former Interim Director at CSU San Marcos John Capaccio said Vogel was an amazing colleague.
“She is very insightful and has a ‘get it done’ type of attitude,” he said. “She looks at the big picture and her strength was making connections with the intent of collaborating.”
Vogel said she hopes to continue to streamline services for SDSU’s Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
“I want more and more students to know about us through orientation, advocacy across campus and a strong online presence,” Vogel said. “This material can be really tough to understand but we are making it easier to access.”
Vogel said she encourages students to reach out to her and know that there are people who want to help them.
“I am excited to be here,” Vogel said. “I am really happy that this position was created in that we can outreach and positively affect the community here at SDSU.”
This article originally appeared in The Daily Aztec.
