UHCL alumnus Corey Benson fills new Title IX coordinator position

UHCL alumnus and former editor-in-chief of The Signal Corey Benson returned to campus June 1 to serve as the university’s first Title IX coordinator.

Benson graduated in 2011 from UHCL with a bachelor’s degree in communication, and then went on to the University of Texas at San Antonio to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies in 2013.

As an alumnus, Benson brings the perspective of a former student to his new position.

“The experiences I gained while at UHCL, both through my academic program and my involvement on campus, including serving as editor of The Signal and as a member of Student Government Association, helped me develop an appreciation for and understanding of university policies and procedures and the laws that govern their application and implementation,” Benson said.

Benson has many fond memories from his time at UHCL including a rare opportunity to interview astronaut Shannon Walker, the first native Houstonian to serve aboard a spacecraft.

“My favorite activity as a student was welcoming new students and their families to UHCL as an orientation leader with Orientation and New Student Programs and an international orientation leader with what was then Intercultural and International Student Services (now called the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion),” Benson said. “Orientation was an opportunity to showcase the best of the institution and was often the first impression of what to expect for those new to campus. As Title IX coordinator, I get to contribute to maintaining the welcoming and safe environment for a broader group of constituencies throughout their time at UHCL.”

After graduating from UHCL, Benson went on to work at: the University of Texas in Austin as a Title IX investigator in the Office of the Dean of Students; the University of Texas in Arlington as program coordinator for the Center for Students recovery, and as assistant director of student conduct in the Office of Community Standards; Texas State University as student development coordinator in the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion.

“Corey brings a unique perspective to this position for he is able to incorporate the best practices he has learned at several traditional four-year universities to the UHCL community which he keenly understands being that he is an alumnus,” said David Rachita, dean of students.

As the Title IX coordinator, Benson works with faculty, staff, students and visitors to foster an environment free of sexual harassment and discrimination. He works directly with the Dean of Students office to resolve any incidents that may arise with students.

“I was excited about the opportunity to serve as UHCL’s first Title IX coordinator and help develop a Title IX program that ensures the university is a safe and supportive environment for all community members,” Benson said. “UHCL is a community where, as a student, I felt safe, supported and successful. I look forward to the many opportunities to contribute to the development and implementation of a Title IX program at a place that I consider home.”

As the first Title IX coordinator, Benson is tasked with creating the program from the ground up and said he has many plans for the semesters ahead.

“Over the next year, our office will sponsor a variety of programs and initiatives to educate the campus community about our Title IX process and on issues of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and bystander intervention,” Benson said. “These programs include outreach initiatives in partnership with Bay Area Turning Point, the Houston Area Women’s Center and the Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Benson can be contacted by any visitor or member of the UHCL community to report incidents of sexual misconduct. His office provides informational resources on Title IX policies and procedures and support services to victims of sexual violence, harassment or discrimination.

To report any violations of Title IX policies or get more information, contact Corey Benson at 281-283-2160, titleix@uhcl.edu or stop by B2537 in the Office of Human Resources.

Also published on Medium.