Q: How does the CSU view this audit's findings and recommendations?
A: While it identifies areas where additional consistency and procedural improvements are warranted, the report, as evidenced in its title, reflects the meaningful progress the CSU has made to its Title IX infrastructure and oversight practices since the prior audit. We believe this review represents the first comprehensive independent assessment of the reforms, investments and oversight mechanisms we've implemented and serves as a significant benchmark in the CSU's continuing work to strengthen civil rights programs and services.
Q: How does this audit compare to the last CSA audit?
A: This audit found substantial improvements in campus Title IX operations and the Chancellor's Office's systemwide oversight as compared to the 2023 audit and provides independent validation of the CSU's work to strengthen Title IX programs and services.
For the 2026 audit, the Auditor examined many of the same core operational areas that were reviewed in the 2023 audit, providing an important apples-to-apples basis for evaluating the impact of the reforms, investments, and oversight enhancements implemented over the past several years.
Q: What are the improvements and progress that the CSU has made since the 2023 CSA audit?
A: In the 2023-24 fiscal year following the CSA report, the CSU began implementing a series of reforms designed to strengthen civil rights programs and services across the system. Those reforms include updating CSU's Nondiscrimination policy, expanding the system-level infrastructure and developing systemwide standards, protocols and toolkits. Then beginning in fiscal year 2024-25, the CSU invested approximately $15.9 million to support those efforts, including expanding staffing, enhancing training, to help aid stronger oversight and improved support for campuses.
Q: Did the CSU implement the recommendations from the 2023 audit?
A: The CSU has fully implemented 15 of the 16 recommendations from the 2023 audit and is the process of implementing the remaining recommendation regarding data collection and analysis.
California State Auditor - Report 2022-109 Recommendations
Q: How is the CSU addressing the audit's findings?
A: The CSU has already begun implementing measures responsive to each of the recommendations. For instance, the CSU recently issued more detailed guidance related to alternative resolution matters, is developing systemwide sanctioning guidelines for student respondents, and is enhancing guidance and trainings in other areas identified by the CSA. The CSA acknowledged these efforts throughout its report. Similarly, a session at the upcoming 2026 Civil Rights Conference will focus on pulling lessons learned from the audit as an opportunity for continuous improvement by practitioners at the other 20 CSU campuses.
The CSU remains committed to continuous improvement in its Title IX programming and will be implementing the recommendations from the CSA audit.
Q: Why weren't other methods of communication used to reach complainants in some cases?
A: The CSU appreciates the audit's recognition of the sensitivity balance in Title IX work intended to support a complainant and the potential added harm of continued contact if someone doesn't wish it. However, the CSU agrees with the auditor's findings that using other modes to reach complainants in the cases reviewed was a missed opportunity. In fact, multi-channel outreach is part of existing practice in the CSU. The CSU is committed to strengthening and reinforcing guidance and training as recommended.
Q: What is the CSU's response to the audit's finding
regarding
inconsistencies with how Title IX offices engage with respondents?
A: The CSU agrees with the audit that educational conversations with respondents are beneficial and could help prevent future misconduct. At the same time, the decision whether to engage in an educational conversation requires a nuanced, case-specific assessment that may include consideration of the reporting party's wishes, privacy interests, concerns regarding potential retaliation, and other relevant factors. The CSU conveyed this perspective to the Auditor, and the Auditor agreed that while educational conversations can be an effective tool, their appropriateness depends on the specific circumstances of each case. The CSU will continue to review and update its guidance and training to support consistent and informed decision-making in this area.