A NABITA and ATIXA Testimonial by Matthew Gregory, Ph.D., M.A., Eastern Michigan University
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the first-ever NABITA and ATIXA joint Winter Symposium in Henderson, NV. It was an inspiring gathering where Title IX, behavioral intervention, and threat assessment professionals came together to learn, connect, and grow.
As the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Sexual Misconduct and Prevention Programs—and the Interim Director of the Disability Resource Center—I found the event invaluable. My ATIXA certifications in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 gave me the foundation to take on this dual role, and my ongoing training with both associations has taken my expertise to the next level.
At the Winter Symposium, I completed NABITA’s updated Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA) and ATIXA’s inaugural Title VI Compliance Foundations Level One for Educational Settings trainings. I was deeply impressed by the faculty members’ proficiency and clarity; they truly understand the realities of being practitioners. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of in-person training for managing complex cases and making well-informed decisions.
The Importance of Continuous Training with NABITA and ATIXA
I have completed the SIVRA (previously known as SIVRA-35) and Building an Individualized Threat Management Plan (previously known as Threat Management) trainings. Attending NABITA’s Annual Conference in 2023 was a turning point for me. The presentations were carefully crafted for key decision-makers who sign crucial university documents. I felt empowered to train our “boots on the ground” teams—those who gather vital information to help me make educated decisions before signing.
On the ATIXA side, I have completed every certification training offered. That includes the Title IX Coordinator Foundations Level One: Compliance Essentials for K-12 Education training, which is particularly relevant as we do trainings with dual-enrolled students at Eastern Michigan University. This training has helped me work closely with K-12 students and, soon, their educators and administrators, guiding them on compliance requirements.
Title IX and Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) are closely connected in effective risk management. The Title IX regulations mandate an individualized safety or risk analysis before an institution can limit educational access, such as emergency removal. This analysis often can and should take the form of a Violence Risk Assessment (VRA). Comprehensive training in VRAs offers practitioners the expertise and confidence to make accurate, legally sound decisions that balance campus safety with equity. I highly encourage all Title IX professionals to complete NABITA’s SIVRA training.
A pressing question in Title IX has emerged: with many Title IX processes and programs housed under Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), where will they go now? Title VI has become a buzzword for their potential destination. Demonstrating its field leadership, ATIXA launched its Title VI training at the Winter Symposium, and I was thrilled to be there. The program is designed to prepare Title IX professionals with the skills to either assume Title VI responsibilities or support the development of dedicated coordinators and offices.
To continue reading about my ATIXA Title VI training experience, click here.
The Intersection of Violence Risk Assessments and Title IX
NABITA trainings are excellent because they are conversational. Many of us in the room already had a good understanding of SIVRA, and having this unique, focused training for some of the most challenging cases is invaluable. In-person training allows for clarification, sharing examples of real situations, and getting direct feedback from the presenters. Watching the faculty members pause, think, and suggest alternative perspectives is something you don’t get from online or recorded trainings.
During the SIVRA course, I was working on a VRA and realized that while my approach wasn’t necessarily wrong, it wasn’t as thorough as it could have been. The presenters shared that while they would’ve reached the same conclusion, the extra steps they trained us on would help me feel more secure in my decisions. That really stuck with me. When evaluating a VRA, especially when considering emergency removal, I always think about the student—their choices, whether accidental or intentional, and if other factors contributed to their situation. I wouldn’t want to make a decision with one swift kick and say, “I don’t think you’re safe to be here.”
I took the SIVRA training to return to my BIT and assuredly say, “These are the areas where I need support.” As someone who has worked in a one-person Title IX office and now operates with a small team of three, I understand the importance of collaboration. I need help reaching out to others for assistance and training them to provide me with the correct information while ensuring they know the critical privacy considerations involved.
I finalized my VRA during the SIVRA training and felt confident in my decision. That confidence didn’t just come from one conversation with the NABITA presenters, though that is where I received clarification and validation. It came from the deliberate processes I followed, which I learned through NABITA. Before making the final decision, I consulted with other offices at my institution, gathered all the necessary information, and ensured everything aligned. This thoroughness allowed me to make a decision I could stand behind with certainty.
Quieting the Fear of Being Wrong
The value of in-person training with skilled trainers is unparalleled. NABITA and ATIXA faculty know the material inside and out. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and they understand best practices in a way that ensures the people they train can avoid pitfalls and achieve the best outcomes. That kind of expertise is rooted in real-world experience.
I’d be lying if I said the fear of making the wrong decision doesn’t creep in. Sometimes I ask myself, “Did I make the right call? Did I handle that fairly? Could this decision get me fired?” These thoughts are human—we’ve all been there. However, the training I’ve received through NABITA and ATIXA has gone a long way in quieting those fears. The trainings have given me confidence. They have helped me understand the legal implications of my role and what resources I need to respond effectively.
The foundations NABITA and ATIXA provide allow me to answer questions from senior leadership, general counsel, attorneys, union representatives, and anyone else involved. I can explain that the goal is always to achieve a fair and unbiased process. When exceptions are made, I can justify them based on the parties’ needs while staying within the bounds of university policy and the law.
I advocated for my university to become a Super Member of ATIXA because I’d rather have access to as much information as possible before hearing the words from our General Counsel, “We’ve got a lawsuit.” With ATIXA’s resources, I can double-check policies and ensure that what we’re doing aligns with the law in a way that translates into clear, student-friendly policies. That matters because I want students to understand the basics of the law, and that’s something ATIXA makes possible. They break things down into plain, accessible language, not legal jargon.
Proficiency is about continuous learning, leaning on a supportive community, and trusting your training and resources. That helps me address my role’s challenges and approach each decision with confidence.
Download the Conference Apps!
I’ll admit that I don’t usually rely on conference apps for networking and resources. But at this symposium, I decided to see who else was from Michigan—and it paid off! I met two professionals new to Title IX, and we had breakfast together. As a mentor, I shared that while they didn’t need to sign up for mentorship officially, they could reach out to me with questions anytime. I also encouraged them to join the Mentor Match program. A few days later, one sent me a series of questions. That’s the kind of supportive community these associations aim to build—helping professionals find a starting point and connecting them with trusted peers for advice and solutions.
This is what makes NABITA and ATIXA in-person training so valuable. It’s not just about learning from experts; it’s about connecting with others and realizing you’re not alone. Sometimes, hearing “I understand what you’re going through” is the reassurance you need.
NABITA’s next in-person training event is the 5th Annual Case Management Summit in Portland, OR, from June 9-14, 2025. Featuring eight certification courses and workshops, including SIVRA and our Addressing the Intersection of BIT, Conduct, and Disability Support workshop, the Summit has featured sessions, concurrent sessions, and keynote speakers. Register for the Summit.