Cozen O'Connor

To strengthen its systems of care and compliance, in 2022 and 2023 the CSU engaged Cozen O'Connor to conduct a systemwide assessment of its Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) programs. The report identifies core observations and recommendations for improvements at both the system and university levels. The CSU remains committed to making the meaningful and impactful changes needed to transform our Title IX and other anti-discrimination policies, procedures, infrastructure, culture and climate within the Chancellor's Office and our 23 universities.

As part of a California State University effort to improve Title IX processes, the Cozen O’Connor Institutional Response Group assessed how the CSU and its 23 campuses respond to reports and incidents of discrimination and harassment—which includes all conduct that falls under Title IX.

Cozen O’Connor compiled its findings in a report, which identifies core observations for improvements both at the system level, and those applicable to each of the 23 CSU campuses.

Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation (DHR) Assessments

Cozen O’Connor Systemwide Report [pdf]
Cozen O'Connor Summary Report [pdf]
Cozen O’Connor Report on San Jose State University [pdf]


Implementation Plan [pdf]

Approval of University Implementation Plan

Approval of University Implementation Plan [pdf]


Implementation Team

SJSU will be working to implement the recommendations from Cozen. (The CSA’s recommendations were not directed to SJSU; they were for the Chancellor’s Office.) As a first step in implementation, the university has empaneled a Campus Implementation Team that includes a diverse set of campus constituents. In the coming year – AY 2023-24 – the CIT will be working to implement Cozen’s recommendations, and will keep the campus updated on its progress. 

The members of the CIT are as follows:

  • Peter Lim, Chair, Interim AVP for Title IX and Equal Opportunity;
  • Julie Paisant, Senior Director Retention, Employee Relations, and Whistleblower Administrator;
  • Karthika Sasikumar, Chair, Academic Senate and Professor of Political Science;
  • Angee Ortega, Associate Resource Analyst, Lucas College & Graduate School of Business;
  • Dominic Treseler, Class of 2024, President, CSU Student Association;
  • Sarab Multani, Class of 2025, President & CEO at Associated Students, SJSU;
  • Shawn Whalen, Chief of Staff and Senior AVP; and
  • Mary Keating, Civil Rights Investigator.

The two student representatives (Dominic and Sarab) will be replaced by new student officers at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Campus Communications and Updates