Dr. Ben Brauer Named FSU Title IX Coordinator

On Sept. 4, President Nowaczyk welcomed Dr. Ben Brauer as the new Title IX coordinator at Frostburg State University through a campus wide email. Brauer joins the FSU community following Sally Swann’s interim service in the role.

Brauer graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland in 1994 before earning his bachelor’s degrees in social science and secondary education from Frostburg. He then went on to earn his master’s in education and administration supervision also from FSU, graduating in 2002. Brauer noted that the idea of getting a doctorate was always something in the back of his head, and in 2008, he graduated from West Virginia University with his Doctor of Education in education leadership.

He credits his position as the Supervisor of Student Services for Allegany Public Schools for the smooth transition into his new role at Frostburg. Brauer noted that he always knew he was interested in working in higher education. Paired with his involvement in the local community, both growing up and academically, Brauer said working at FSU “would be great.”

In his new role, Brauer hopes to focus on the gender equity of all educational experiences for all members of the Frostburg community in both opportunities and programming. He also hopes to take preventative measures in the events of harassment, assault, or any event impacting one’s safety by ensuring each member of the Frostburg community has equal access and no harm will be caused. Brauer has hopes the office will become a “proactive force for raising awareness of what equity means.”

Brauer promises the students and faculty that the office is welcoming of all cultural and gender identities and vows to maintain the office as a safe place to address and resolve issues and to reach closure. He also wants the campus community to know that the door is always open, and individuals are welcome to come in for consulting or guidance if something occurs or if something does not seem right. Brauer aims to facilitate community involvement and offer support beyond investigative resources.  As the Title IX Coordinator, he plans to collaborate with the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Brady Health Center, Campus Police, and other student support services.

There are various reporting option available for the FSU community in the event any conduct occurs that violates Frostburg State’s Gender-Based Harassment and Violence Policy. A victim can report to the University, law enforcement, and report anonymously. More on the reporting options can be found at: https://www.frostburg.edu/titleix/reporting-options.php

Brauer ensures that the victim will not lose control and they will lead the process. Reports can range from informal in which a voluntary resolution can be reached by both parties to more formal in which an investigation may occur and there could be potential police involvement. Brauer promises that the office will remain respectful in any reporting situation. He promises that a level of confidentiality will be in place in the occurrence of a report. In the event that the safety of the campus is threatened, the office will act on that concern while trying to respect the confidentiality of the victim. However, the safety of the campus takes precedent. If an alleged criminal offense is perceived to have taken place, the office will consult with police. Brauer also wants victims to know that they will “take great care to make sure no one knows Title IX is involved” in situations where the victim pursues outside supports.

Brauer wants the FSU community to know he is “excited to be here and get to work” and to “find ways to support the campus community.” As the Title IX coordinator, Brauer plans to “take a student-centered approach.”

Brauer’s office is located in 126 Hitchins Administration Building. To contact the Office of Gender Equity, an individual can call at (301)-687-3035 or email at titleix@frostburg.edu.