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With a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, Bernard Dufresne spearheads efforts to prevent and address harassment and discrimination, including gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Delve into the vital role of Pace University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance, exploring its insights and strategies in upholding the principles of equality and justice on campus.

Please introduce yourself. How long have you been at Pace, and what experience do you bring from past professional roles?

My name is Bernard Dufresne, and I am the Assistant Vice President in the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance. I have been at Pace for about three and a half years. Prior to joining Pace, I worked as an attorney in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, where I was responsible for conducting civil rights investigations of elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.

What is Title IX, and how does your office enforce it?

Title IX is a federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Under Title IX, schools must designate a Title IX Coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and establish procedures to resolve complaints of sex-based misconduct promptly and equitably. At Pace, I serve as the Title IX Coordinator. There have been numerous changes to Title IX over the past six to ten years, and most recently, the Biden Administration introduced significant updates that went into effect on August 1.

What is one change to Title IX that you think is important for the Pace Community to know?

The new Title IX regulations clarify that any employee who is not in a confidential role must notify the Title IX Coordinator if they have information about conduct that might involve sex-based misconduct. In other words, any employee—except for clinical staff in the Counseling Center, University Health Care, or the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW)—is required to report issues of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator by filing a Guardian report or reaching out to me directly.

Can you tell us more about the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance?

Absolutely! The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance is responsible for conducting investigations, trainings, workshops, and serving as a resource for the Pace community on matters involving harassment and discrimination. This includes working one-on-one with individuals affected by sex-based misconduct and other types of harassment/discrimination, providing them with information about support and resources on and off campus, and offering training and professional development for faculty and staff. I also work closely with the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness, the Counseling Center, Safety and Security, Student Affairs, and Human Resources.

Are there ways for students, staff, and faculty to get involved with your office’s work?

While the Title IX office itself doesn’t hire students, OSIW hires student peer educators each academic year to support prevention efforts. These peer educators organize events and table on campus to raise awareness about sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. Faculty and staff interested in learning more about the Title IX office’s role and how it investigates and resolves discrimination or harassment cases can request a workshop. Additionally, faculty or staff members who would like to assist in Title IX investigations by serving as a hearing panelist or decision-maker are encouraged to reach out! Anyone looking to learn more about Title IX or partner with the office can contact me or Shawna Mott, the Associate Director in the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance. More information about the Title IX Office can be found on our website.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I enjoy spending time with loved ones, watching soccer, and reading. If anyone has book recommendations, please let me know! During the early days of the pandemic, I developed a love for running, and I’ve managed to keep it up. There’s something about focusing on your breath and the rhythm of your footsteps that really helps clear my mind (even if just for a bit) and keeps me present. It also forces me to disconnect from my phone and computer, which is so necessary.

Learn more about Pace’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Pace University SBDC partnered with Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn to deliver business advisory sessions in Flatbush

A coalition of lawmakers, small business groups, and entrepreneurs came together recently to celebrate the expansion of Pace University’s on-site small business counseling services to Flatbush, Brooklyn.

At the event earlier this month, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, and Little Haiti BK touted the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship in creating jobs and contributing to New York City’s economy.

Pace’s SBDC now offers in-person business advisory sessions at Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn’s office in Flatbush, Brooklyn in collaboration with the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID and Little Haiti BK. Pace SBDC’s experienced business advisors work with small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in critical areas such as financing, marketing strategies, government procurement, and business planning.

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"Small businesses are the economic engine and lifeblood of our Flatbush community," said Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "Yet too many small businesses struggle to succeed because they don't have access to the right resources they deserve. I'm grateful for Pace University and thrilled to offer their one-on-one Business Advisory Services to my constituents right here in their neighborhood to help our local businesses and economy thrive."

Sessions must be arranged in advance, and all interested small businesses must complete the SBDC counseling request form.

“Our passion is helping small businesses build and grow, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed,” said Andrew Flamm, Regional Director of Pace University’s Small Business Development Center. “All our services are offered at no cost, and we focus on areas such as financing, marketing strategies, and government procurement to help entrepreneurs grow their presence and achieve sustainable success. Our team is committed to serving the needs of Brooklyn and appreciate this incredible collaboration with Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn, Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, and Little Haiti BK.”

This expansion builds upon Pace SBDC’s existing 1:1 business advisory Brooklyn services, which include sessions hosted at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Grand Army Plaza branch and the New York Public Library’s Thomas Yoseloff Business Center. These sessions are also available from Pace SBDC’s offices at Pace University’s Lower Manhattan campus, virtually, and now at Industry City in Sunset Park, in partnership with Congressman Dan Goldman and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and from Bushwick, in partnership with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.

Pace’s SBDC is part of the university’s Lubin School of Business, a nationally ranked leader in business education, where students are provided real-world and experiential learning in New York and beyond.

"The Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID is thrilled to have a small business advisory and support services within close proximity to businesses in Flatbush” says Kenneth Mbonu, President and Executive Director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID. “Pace’s SBDC has provided impactful services to businesses in Manhattan, and we are excited that those services are now being offered to our local business community. We’re grateful to have such an amazing advocate for small businesses in Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn."

The Pace SBDC offers one-to-one business advisory services at no cost to clients thanks to funding from the federal and New York State government, and support from Pace University, ensuring that counseling services and training programs remain accessible to all.

"As we seek to expand the resources available to small businesses in Little Haiti, this partnership is a great step forward in that effort,” said Stephanie Delia, Executive Director of Little Haiti BK. “Services like those offered by Pace’s SBDC are all too often unavailable in communities like ours and we’re all working together to change that. Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn is an incredible leader in helping Brooklyn small businesses grow and thrive."

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network created to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business ventures. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State of New York and Pace University, the Pace SBDC combines the resources of Pace University and the public and private sectors to enable small businesses to reach their full potential. Since our start in 1986, the Center's experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have worked directly with more than 19,400 small businesses, helping them to invest over $245 million in the area's economy, and create or save over 8,800 jobs.