By: Megan Calel, M.A.O.M., Executive Director of ATIXA
What is the TIXKit?
The ATIXA Title IX Toolkit (TIXKit) is an essential resource repository designed to help practitioners navigate the complexities of Title IX Regulations in higher education and K-12 environments. We created the 2024 TIXKit as an indispensable resource for practitioners, featuring extensive and comprehensive materials—forms, checklists, templates, flowcharts, guides, roadmaps, and compliance aids—that you won’t find anywhere else.
Although many firms and organizations provide forms and templates, TIXKit stands out because it not only provides the essential documents Title IX practitioners need to fulfill their compliance responsibilities, but it also incorporates ATIXA’s model policies and procedures and guides for each phase of the resolution process, upon which many of our members and training participants have come to rely. We also designed it to integrate into various database systems, including Maxient[1] and Guardian.
We recognize that not everyone has access to a resolution database. Therefore, we designed letter and form templates in Microsoft Word to be easily customized for practitioners without a database system, allowing input of specific complaint-related details. Conversely, those fields will automatically populate with the necessary information for users with a database.
It’s not just about having the right form at the right time for the right party, though that is crucial. While many Title IX teams may focus solely on locating the forms they need, we encourage you to explore the wealth of guides and resources available in this newest version of the TIXKit.
What’s New for 2024?
For the 2024 Regulations, we expanded the TIXKit to include new topics not previously addressed, such as pregnancy and other gender equity topics. We maintained the centralized structure of the 2020 TIXKit (based on the 2020 Regulations) for continuity, recognizing that not everyone’s process follows the same steps or order. TIXKit continues to grow and evolve in response to member feedback on the ATIXA listserv and our trainees’ requests for additional resources.
Guides for Every Step of the Process
TIXKit’s architecture follows clear naming conventions and links to complementary resources, enhancing overall usability. Users begin with the procedural roadmap for either higher education or K-12. The procedural roadmaps are dynamic tools that provide detailed guidance for the complaint resolution process.
After using the roadmap, users can toggle between process flowcharts, summaries of laws and regulations, and links to ATIXA’s model policies and procedures. As users navigate to the intake section, they will encounter the first steps of the process—supportive measures, pre-investigation, and informal resolution—all presented in a logical sequence. Each section contains letters, templates, forms, and guides relevant to that topic. We have also linked all guide materials within each section for convenience.
The table of contents can help simplify navigation. Most document titles indicate whether they pertain to higher education, K-12, or both, so users don’t have to search the table of contents for those designations.
Formatting Cues for Easy Customization
Within the TIXKit documents, we use various formatting cues for different purposes. For example, double arrows around a date indicate that this information will change with each letter sent. Gray highlighting in sections like “College/University” signals the need to select the term best suited to a user’s institution. Designated areas are highlighted for inputting specific information about the institution, such as web links, names, phone numbers, or office locations.
Additionally, bracketed sections signal optional language acknowledging process differences across institutions. Areas marked with “or” indicate users should select the option that best fits their institution/district.
Other sections prompt users to insert information as needed; users may also need to consider attachments. Some templates will include directions about what information to include, but the writing style is up to the individual. For example, if instructed to “insert rationale and include the following,” that information can be expressed however it best aligns with the institution’s voice.
Green highlighting indicates upcoming items that will become active links once published. We are updating them to reflect the terminology used in the 2024 Regulations, any new recommendations from ATIXA regarding specific topics, and feedback from the field and OCR.
We aim to make the templates as comprehensive as possible while ensuring compliance. Some templates offer more detail than others, providing two to three full paragraphs of variations regarding dismissal, including the rationale and basis for such decisions. All sections can be modified or deleted when not relevant to the situation.
Accessing the TIXKit and Updates
We understand that the vast array of available resources can be overwhelming. To streamline your experience and enhance usability, we provide several ways to access the TIXKit, including the My ATIXA portal or the TIXKit hub on ATIXA.org. For Super Members and K-12 Professional Development Holders, TIXKit is automatically included in the My ATIXA portal in a dedicated sidebar tab. Members who purchase it separately or upgrade their membership for access will find it available in their portal after completing the transaction. We update these web pages as new documents are added, highlighting the latest releases at the top for your convenience.
The ATIXA team is here to support everyone in the field, not just our members. Please don’t hesitate to email members@atixa.org with your questions. We understand that you have a lot on your plate, and we are here to provide resources that make your job easier.
[1] ATIXA Super Members who use Maxient are eligible for MaxStack, which contains ATIXA’s proprietary forms, checklists, investigation templates, template letters, and materials for Title IX case organization, documentation, and tracking. Contact info@atixa.org to request MaxStack access or to upgrade your ATIXA membership and request access.