Equity & Compliance
The Office of Equity and Compliance works to support a healthy learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty. By overseeing the College's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and initiatives, our goal is to create a learning and working environment that is safe, respectful and productive.
Our office is composed of the College's Title IX Coordinator/Director of Equity and Compliance, three Deputy Title IX Coordinators/Compliance Officers and a Compliance Program Coordinator, who is the primary point of contact for faculty and staff in the administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA/ADAAA) as well as assisting in the administration of the Enterprise Risk Management Program. Please explore our webpage to learn more about what we do.
The Office of Equity and Compliance is located in the SX building at 366 N. 6th St. Click here for a map: https://www.cscc.edu/about/columbus/pdf/CampusMap.Jan2018.pdf
Staff
Renee Fambro, J.D., B.A.Director of Equity and Compliance
Title IX Coordinator for the College
rfambro@cscc.edu
(614) 287-5519
Renee holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Ohio Dominican University and a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Renee has worked in Human Resources since graduating from law school, starting her career as a labor relations specialist with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services/Office of Collective Bargaining. She then worked for 4 years as a Human Resources attorney for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. There she served as the Human Resources legal advisor on a variety of topics, including labor relations, employee discipline and due process, ADA, FMLA, civil liability and EEOC/OCRC issues. She also was a certified instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and taught legal courses at the Highway Patrol Training Academy. After leaving the Patrol, she worked for the Ohio School Boards Association for 9 years doing HR and labor relations consulting work for public school districts. She also was an adjunct instructor at Ohio Dominican University for ten years.
Renee serves on the College’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Team and on the Suicide Prevention Task Force.
"The goal of the Office of Equity and Compliance is to utilize all available resources to foster and encourage a safe and healthy learning and work environment at Columbus State. When the entire College community works together to show respect and understanding, we support the greatest possible success for all students, faculty and staff."
Joan Cook, M.S.S.A., B.A.Compliance Officer
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
jcook60@cscc.edu
(614) 287-2636
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton and a Master of Science Degree in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Joan has worked in a variety of educational settings with a focus on cultivating an environment where everyone is respected and has the ability to make informed decisions about their conduct and exercising their rights.
Her past work includes facilitating psychoeducational groups for adults with mental health and substance use disorders, developing career training programs for young adults, providing soft skills training and teaching behavioral accountability, writing sexual misconduct and other civil rights-related policy and procedure and Title IX experience. Joan sees her role as supporting the successful work and education of all those affiliated with the College by preventing and addressing inequity under College policy.
"Everyone with a relationship to the College plays a part in making Columbus State a great place to learn and work. I want to support all those affiliated with the College by being accessible even when there isn't a major problem. Feel free to contact me or others on the team to request training or talk through a question or concern."
Danette Vance, M.S., B.S.
Compliance Officer
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
dvance1@cscc.edu
(614) 287-2433
Danette is an alum of Columbus State and a Franklin University graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management and a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. She has worked in higher education since 2003 in a variety of roles serving students, faculty and staff. Danette has been with the College since 2010 and became part of The Office of Equity and Compliance in September 2013. She is a member of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV) and attends training regularly to stay abreast of changes in laws, requirements and best practices pertaining to her role in higher education.
"My philosophy is that we are here to collectively and individually serve students and each other. My goal is to help employees and students maintain a safe and productive work and learning environment through education and support that promotes respect and trust."
Michael Hicks, M.S.Ed, L.P.C.Compliance Program Coordinator
mhicks25@cscc.edu
(614) 287-2883
Working as the primary point of contact for faculty and staff in the administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA/ADAAA) as well as assisting in administration of the Enterprise Risk Management Program.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Employee Assistance Counseling from Franklin University and a Master of Science in Education and Allied Professions from the University of Dayton. Michael has a diverse background working with persons with disabilities in a variety of healthcare settings, including: providing clinical support to clients faced with mental health issues, learning disabilities and addiction. In addition, Michael has experience in vocational rehabilitation assisting persons with mental health and physical barriers in obtaining and maintaining employment, while providing support, counseling and development of life skills to aide consumers in effectively reaching personal and vocational goals.
Michael is deeply immersed in Columbus State initiatives, which include being an active member of the Diversity and Cultural Inclusion Council and active participation in the Staff Advisory Council. Michael also has experience teaching graduate level courses, including Cultural Diversity.
“My philosophy is that everyone has the ability to make positive, affirming changes in their lives and reach their full potential by addressing difficult issues openly, overcoming stigma, strengthening self-esteem and building a strong, healthy support system. My goal is to offer a safe, respectful, and trusting environment for all students, staff and faculty in the spirit of reaching personal and professional goals.”