Robbins Schwartz

Register Now: Community College Trustee Training
2025-06-14 08:30 - 13:00 UTC
Robbins Schwartz attorneys are approved by ICCB to conduct professional development leadership training for community college trustees.

Join us Join us for our complimentary Community Colle Trustee Training.

Topics will include:

The Open Meetings Act: FAQs and Answers

The Role of the Board of Trustees in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence on Campus

Collective Bargaining Overview and Tips for Negotiations

Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Community College Trustee

General Compliance Guidance: Illinois Freedom of Information Act

Financial Oversight and Accountability

Register Here

Register Now: ISBE Approved Professional Development Leadership Training
2025-05-05 18:00 - 2025-05-10 13:00
Robbins Schwartz attorneys are approved by ISBE to conduct School Board Member Training.

Join us for our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide newly elected school board members with the necessary requirements to meet mandatory PDLT, including trauma-informed practices for students and staff; Improving student outcomes; Open Meetings Act (OMA); and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).

Training will be offered in two formats:

Two-Part Series

Part 1: Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Part 2: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Register for the Two-Part Series Here

Full-Day Session

Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Register for the Full-Day Session Here

2025 Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00
Register Now for Our Annual Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference on February 25, 2025.

Location: Zoom

Register Here

Download the Conference Program

Download the Conference Materials

Topics and Descriptions are Below:

Making Purchasing and Procurement Easier: Essential Bidding Strategies and Leveraging the Recent Amendment to the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

This presentation will focus on purchasing and procurement requirements for Illinois local governments—from school districts and community colleges to park districts and municipalities. Our attorneys will walk through compliance requirements and strategies for purchasing and procurement through common exemptions and newly enacted amendments to the Illinois Governmental Joint Purchasing Act that provide public bodies with greater flexibility when relying on cooperative purchases through other government agencies.

Mitigate Risks: Best Practices for Effective Risk Management and Insurance Strategies for Public Contracts and Construction

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join Robbins Schwartz construction and transactional attorneys to discuss the importance of mitigating risk and properly insuring public entities in connection with common transactions including construction projects, facility use agreements, leases, and software purchases involving personally protected information. The presentation will address various types of insurance for applicable transactions, contract terms that protect public bodies, and the Tort Immunity Act that public entities can rely on to mitigate risk.

Construction Pitfalls: Key Considerations for Public Bodies to Avoid Problems on a Construction Project

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Public construction is complex. The parties involved often have overlapping responsibilities, tasks, schedules and liabilities. Moreover, the risks can be just as complex, ranging from unknown conditions at the project site and weather to supply chain issues and pandemics. In this presentation, Robbins Schwartz’s construction lawyers will discuss common construction project problems and how to avoid them.

Read (or Write) the Fine Print! Negotiating Contracts for Public Entities

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Every transaction comes with terms and conditions. Those terms and conditions are agreed upon by the parties to a transaction but not always reduced to writing or properly reviewed. From complex construction contracts and real estate agreements, to purchase orders and website privacy policies, public bodies need to be aware of contract terms that could significantly impact its ability to benefit from any bargain. This presentation will identify key terms to consider, as well as strategies to negotiating the same.

2024 School Administrators' Conference
2024-10-09 08:00 - 15:00
Join us as we partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present this year’s School Administrators’ Conference on October 9, 2024.

Location: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

In-person sessions will be held at Hotel Arista in Naperville with the conference breakfast beginning at 8 a.m., and the General Session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Virtual option is available.

Topics Include:

Walking a Thin Line: Employee & Student Speech Rights On and Off Campus

Responding to Employee Leave and Accommodation Requests in the Evolving Modern Workplace

Anxiety and School Refusal: Collaboratively Constructing the Path Back to School

Understanding Construction Litigation and Planning for Success

Employment Rules for Schools: 10 Legislative Updates for HR Professionals

Mastering the Complex World of Public Bidding

Complex Parent Demands: Best Practices and Legal Pitfalls When Responding to Difficult Requests

Lessons Learned from Title IX Litigation

Labor and Union Issues Affecting School Construction Projects

Protecting Your Tax Disputes and Protecting Your Tax Base

Register Here

View Conference Program Booklet

2024 College Conference & Legal Update - Virtual
2024-09-18 08:30 - 13:45
Join us virtually for our annual legal update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions.

Where: Zoom

Topics Include:

Walking A Thin Line: Employee & Student Speech Rights On and Off Campus

Waiving Goodbye: Business Enterprise Council Changes to Good Faith Efforts Waiver Process and a Refresher on Compliance Requirements Related to the Business Enterprise Program

Reality “Bytes” When Artificial Intelligence Goes Unchecked: Developing Policies in the AI World

The Investigation is Complete – Now What? An Overview of Employee Discipline Considerations and Best Practices

Responding to Employee Leave and Accommodation Requests in the Evolving Modern Workplace

A New Frontier: Responding to Race- and Sex-Restricted Scholarship Complaints

Mastering the Complex World of Public Bidding

Lessons Learned from Title IX Litigation

Labor and Union Issues Affecting College Construction Projects

Register Here

View Conference Program Booklet

Unpacking the 2024 Title IX Regulations: A Webinar for Higher Education Institutions
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:15
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released its long-anticipated amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which go into effect on August 1, 2024, will significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing the obligations of post-secondary institutions that receive federal funding to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their educational programs and activities. Grab your lunch and join us for a first look at the new Regulations and a discussion on their impact on colleges and universities.

This webinar will include a Q&A segment. Please email marketing@robbins-schwartz.com by Wednesday, May 1 with questions about the 2024 Regulations that you would like our speakers to address.

Who Should Attend:

Title IX Coordinators

Investigators and Decision-Makers

College administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

Register Here!

Unpacking the 2024 Title IX Regulations: A Webinar for K-12 School Districts
2024-05-01 12:00 - 13:15
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released its long-anticipated amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which go into effect on August 1, 2024, will significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing school district’s obligations to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their educational programs and activities. Grab your lunch and join us for a first look at the new Regulations and a discussion on their impact on K-12 schools and school districts.

This webinar will include a Q&A segment. Please email marketing@robbins-schwartz.com by Tuesday, April 30 with questions about the 2024 Regulations that you would like our speakers to address.

Who Should Attend:

Nondiscrimination Coordinators and Title IX Coordinators

Complaint Managers and Investigators

Superintendents

Principals and Assistant Principals

Other administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

Register Here!

Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference
2024-04-11 00:00 - 23:59
Thursday, April 11, 2024

Registration for our 2024 Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference is live! Check out our presentation schedule below with descriptions of each topic. To register, click the link below – we hope to “see” you there.

To view our conference program, click here.

Topics and Descriptions:

Maintaining Control and Best Practices for Bidding Procurement

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Many public bodies want to take steps to impact participation in their contracting. Whether it increases participation by historically disadvantaged groups, or the desire to keep tax dollars local, public bidding and procurement laws still apply. This presentation will help public bodies navigate the bidding and procurement laws while still trying to accomplish their goals.

Contractor Defaults: Practical Considerations for Owners to Reduce the Likelihood of a Contractor Default and Strategies to Implement if a Default Occurs

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A contractor default, or breach of contract, is one of the worst occurrences on a project and will result in major headaches for a project owner. This presentation will preview practical and legal considerations to protect owners from contractor default as well as strategies in the event of contractor default. The presenters will address owner pre-construction considerations such as bidding and selecting your contractor, performance and payment bonds, and effective contract clauses. Finally, the presentation will address ways to minimize a default during the project, and steps that an owner can take if a default occurs in order to complete the project on time without additional costs.

Your Board May Want to Borrow Money – Now What?

10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Governmental entities issue debt to pay for capital projects, to pay for operating needs that cannot be met through current annual revenues, or to address debt service levels. There are many options available to address these needs. Through this session, attendees will be introduced to concepts necessary to assemble a finance team, actively and adequately participate in the debt issuance process, and manage post-insurance compliance requirements – all of which are important to fulfilling their role as stewards of public funds.

Top 10 Considerations for Real Estate: Strategies to Protect Your Property Rights and Ensure a Smooth Transaction

11:00 a.m. – 11: 45 a.m.

Every real estate transaction can present nuanced and often unexpected legal issues, even for experienced parties. This presentation will address common real estate issues that public bodies face when engaging in real estate transaction as well as proactive considerations and practical solutions for every stage of the transaction.

Interactive Problem Solving for Purchasing and Construction

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This session is dedicated to a question-and-answer (Q&A), where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions related to the topics discussed, seek clarification on specific points, or explore deeper insights into the subject matter.

Register Here!

DEI Initiatives and Programs Under Fire: What Educational Institutions Can Do to Ensure Their Program Comply with Relevant Laws Webinar
2023-10-31 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a virtual webinar in which we will discuss the challenges to DEI programs and measures and advice attendees on how they should respond to these challenges and ensure that their DEI programs and initiatives are legally compliant. Come prepared for an informative and interactive discussion on this hot topic.

Location: Zoom

What You Will Learn:

An understanding of the laws relevant to equity and diversity measure

An understanding of the relevant court decisions regarding DEI measures

Knowledge on how to conduct a review and assessment of their equity initiatives

An understanding of race-conscious vs. race neutral equity and diversity efforts

Practice guidance on responding to equity challenges

Who Should Attend:

College Administrators

School District Administrators

Diversity and Equity Offices and Directors

Human Resource Personnel

Register Here!

2023 School Administrators' Conference
2023-10-04 08:00 - 15:00
Join us as we partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present this year’s School Administrators’ Conference.

Location: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

Virtual option available.

Topics Include:

Investigations into Employee-on-Student Sexual Misconduct and Grooming Complaints

General Updates and Managing Employee Leave Rights

The Three R’s: Recognizing, Reporting and Responding to Student Bullying Incidents

Purchasing and Bidding from the Basics to the Advanced

Section 504: Here Today, Revised Tomorrow

Design-Build Contracts: Strategies for Using this Construction Project Delivery Method and Understanding the Procurement Requirements of the School Design-Build Authorization Law

Changes to the Teacher Tenure Process and It’s Effects on the Evaluation Process

A Fresh Look at Bargaining Teacher and ESP Contracts: Best Practices for Responding to Union Proposals, Traditional Bargaining v. Interest-Based Methods, and Strategies for Success

Best Practices for Navigating Student Residency and Homelessness

Register Here!

Full Conference Agenda

Topic Descriptions

Recorded Webinar: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Webinar Request: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints

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This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for addressing bullying in schools and new reporting requirements created by Public Act 103-47. This topic will include a review of the ins and outs of the bullying response process, including how to identify bullying behavior, procedures for parent/guardian notification, best practices for conducting prompt and thorough investigations, and recommendations for developing and implementing supportive measures for students.

Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints Webinar
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Join us as we present Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints.

Location: Zoom

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for addressing bullying in schools and new reporting requirements created by Public Act 103-47. This topic will include a review of the ins and outs of the bullying response process, including how to identify bullying behavior, procedures for parent/guardian notification, best practices for conducting prompt and thorough investigations, and recommendations for developing and implementing supportive measures for students.

What You Will Learn:

What to report, when to report, and how to report alleged bullying complaints to parents and guardians

Best practices in addressing and investigating bullying allegations under the law and Board Policy

Who Should Attend:

Administrators

Principals

Deans

Assistant Principals

Register Here!

2023 Legal Update For Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference
2023-09-14 08:30 - 13:15
Join us for our annual Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference.

Where: Zoom

Topics Include:

Workplace and Educational DEI Initiatives Face Significant Challenges after the Supreme Court’s Recent Affirmative Action Decision

Addressing Student Mental Health Concerns and Threats to Campus Safety

Top Construction Problems and Solutions

Navigating the Waters on FMLA, ADA, and Employee Leave Rights

Data Breaches and Ransomware Attacks: Strategies for Protecting Data and Security and Responding to Data Incidents

Bidding From the Basics to the Advanced

Bills, Bills, Bills: An Overview of New Legislation Impacting Illinois College

Higher Education Collective Bargaining Trends and Management Strategies for Effective Negotiations

Register Here!

Full Conference Agenda

Topic Descriptions

Application of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Law to Community College Employees
2023-07-13 10:30 - 12:00
Please join us for a 90-minute webinar as our Robbins Schwartz team will discuss the recent passage of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act and its impact on higher education employees. The law takes effect on January 1, 2024, so now is an opportune time to learn how this law may impact your institution’s current leave policies and to make timely changes.

Kindly note that there is a fee of $350 per community college for attending the webinar. However, you can register multiple participants from your college, which means you can sign up as many people as you require.

What You Will Learn:

Which employees are covered under the Act

How the Act applies to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement

How adjunct instructors accumulate paid leave

Ways in which the College may provide paid leave to its employees under the Act

Who Should Attend/Target Audience:

Community College Administrators

Community College Human Resources Representatives

Register Here

Community College Trustee Virtual Training Session
2023-06-10 08:30 - 13:00
Topics Include:

Join our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide Community College Trustees with the necessary requirements to complete a minimum of 4 hours of PDLT.

Topics Will Include:

Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Community College Trustee

The Role of the Board of Trustees in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence on Campus

Collective Bargaining Overview and Tips for Negotiations

The Illinois Open Meetings Act

The Freedom of Information Act

Financial Oversight and Accountability

Register Here

ISBE Approved Professional Leadership Development Training
2023-05-13 08:30 - 13:00
Join us for our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide newly elected school board members with the necessary requirements to meet mandatory PDLT, including trauma-informed practices for students and staff; Open Meetings Act (OMA); and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).

Please note that the training is fully virtual.

Training Dates:

May 8, 2023 (Part 1) – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

May 10, 2023 (Part 2) – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

May 13, 2023 (Full Day) – 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Click Here to Register for May 8th & 10th

Click Here to Register for May 13th

Purchasing and Construction Virtual Conference
2023-04-27 00:00 - 23:59
Registration for our Purchasing and Construction Virtual conference is live! Check out our presentation schedule below with descriptions of each topic. To register, click the link below – we hope to ‘see’ you there.

Register Here!

Topics and Descriptions Below:

Bidding and Cooperative Purchasing: How to Avoid Pitfalls

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

The use of cooperative purchasing continues to grow as an alternative to the traditional bidding process. Learn from a panel of experienced attorneys about managing the complexities of public bidding and how cooperative purchasing can become an important tool as part of a successful procurement system for your organization.

Preventing Your Construction Project from Turning Sour and What to do if Problems Arise

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Uncertainty and potential problems exist on any construction project, regardless of the size of the project. Join Robbins Schwartz’s construction attorneys for a discussion on the types of problems that frequently arise on projects, and key considerations and strategies avoid those problems and keep your project moving towards final completion. The discussion will focus on tips for planning, procurement, project delivery models, and contract terms, but will also discuss how project owners can address certain problems if they do arise during the job.

So You Want to Go Solar? Alternate Ways to Structure the Transaction to Best Meet Your Needs

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Solar power generation is rapidly becoming an integral part of the facilities operations for many public bodies. This session will focus on the different methods available to public bodies to use solar power generation to their advantage, including alternative procurement methods, power purchase agreements, and more.

2022 Levies: A Retrospective

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A look back at the 2022 levy year and the multitude of new and challenging issues that arose. We will discuss the issues related to the refund recapture, PTELL recapture, Truth in Taxation matters, and how the increase in the consumer price index affected the levy process.

Interactive Problem Solving for Purchasing and Construction

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To cap off our conference, our panel of Attorneys will hold a 30-minute discussion in a Question-and-Answer format. If you have any lingering questions from previous sessions, or general questions about your projects, we are here to help

Recorded Webinar: Faith’s Law: Understanding its Employment History Review Requirements effective July 1, 2023
2023-03-15 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar Request: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

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Beginning July 1, 2022, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools were required to have a Professional Code of Conduct Policy in place, which must include a definition of sexual misconduct, identify expectations for employees and agents regarding maintaining professional relationships with students, reference required employee training related to child abuse and educator ethics, and provide that a violation would result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment. On July 1, 2023, a second portion of Faith’s Law becomes effective, adding many additional requirements related to the hiring process for applicants, employers, and contractors. Join us as we review the requirements of Faith’s Law.

2022 School Administrators' Conference
2022-10-05 08:00 - 15:00
We are excited to partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) at this year’s School Administrators’ Conference! Attendees will be eligible for professional development credits.

Location:

Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

Topics Include:

Speech and Expression in Today’s Social and Political Climate

Student and Employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Ensuring Institutional DEI Efforts Survive Legal Challenges

Common Construction Problems and Disputes

Addressing Employee Mental Health Conditions in the Post COVID-19 Workplace

Protecting Your Property Tax Base and Revenue: PTAB and Tax Rate Objection Intervention

Addressing Staffing Shortages and Ensuring FAPE to Students with Disabilities

Public Bidding and Procurement: Meeting the Legal Requirements and Strategies for Purchasing the Goods and Services that You Want

Bargaining Update: The Impact of Staffing Shortages and Inflation

Best Practices and Legal Considerations when Conducting Student Investigations

Conference Program

Register

2022 Annual Legal Updates for Illinois Colleges Conference
2022-09-22 08:00 - 15:30
Location:

Hyatt Lodge

2815 Jorie Blvd

Oak Brook, IL 60523

Topics Include:

Prayer on Campus, Flag Displays, and More: Highlights from the Supreme Court’s October 2021 Term and Implications for Higher Education Institutions

Student and Employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives: Considerations for DEI Planning & Surviving DEI Legal Challenges

Title IX Changes on the Horizon (Again): What to Expect and How to Prepare

Managing Construction Projects in an Ever-Changing Economic Climate & Dealing with Supply Chain Issues

Employee Staffing Shortages: Mid-term Bargaining, Base Wage Adjustments, Subcontracting, and Other Options

Best Practices for Safeguarding Data in an Increasingly Digital Universe

Purchasing and Bidding: How to Improve Diverse Contractors’ Participation

To Get Involved or Not to Get Involved? Student Activism and the Role of the Institution

Register Here!

Full Conference Agenda

Title IX Role-Specific Refresher Series for K-12 School Districts
2022-08-15 12:00 - 13:30
Robbins Schwartz is pleased to offer a refresher series of our role-specific Title IX webinars for school district personnel involved in implementing their districts’ Title IX investigation and grievance process. The cost for each webinar is $50 per person. Information regarding each webinar, including a registration link, can be found below.

Title IX: Decision Maker Webinar

Date: August 2

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Title IX regulations require that an objective Decision-Maker/Hearing Officer be appointed to determine whether a respondent is responsible for engaging in Title IX sexual harassment. This webinar will provide a comprehensive review of the role of the Decision-Maker in the formal Title IX sexual harassment grievance process. The webinar will offer recommendations for evaluating evidence and credibility, facilitating the written question-and-answer process, determining relevance, and applying the Title IX regulations’ rape shield protections. Finally, this webinar will include helpful tips for preparing written determinations and recognizing and avoiding bias and conflicts of interest, as required by the Title IX regulations.

Register Here!

Title IX: Appellate Decision Maker Webinar

Date: August 9

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Under the Title IX regulations, both parties have the right to appeal any determination of responsibility and any dismissal of a formal Title IX sexual harassment complaint or allegations therein. This webinar will focus on the role of the Appellate Decision-Maker in reviewing Title IX sexual harassment appeals and will provide participants with a step-by-step overview of the appeal process, including a discussion of the permissible grounds for appeal and the procedural rights afforded to parties during the appeal process. This webinar will also include recommendations for evaluating appeals and issuing written appeal determinations.

Register Here!

Title IX: Coordinator Webinar

Date: August 15

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

A school district’s Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the district’s response to Title IX reports and complaints and managing the grievance process from start to finish. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Title IX Coordinator’s vast responsibilities, including assessing and responding to reports of Title IX sexual harassment, managing the grievance process, issuing required notices to the parties, and maintaining appropriate records.

Register Here!

Title IX Role-Specific Refresher Series for Higher Education Institutions
2022-08-15 12:00 - 13:30
Robbins Schwartz is pleased to offer a refresher series of our role-specific Title IX webinars for college and university personnel involved in implementing their institutions’ Title IX investigation and grievance process. The cost for each webinar is $60 per person. Information regarding each webinar, including a registration link, can be found below.

Title IX: Investigator Webinar

Date: July 26

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The Title IX regulations impose specific requirements concerning the role of the Investigator in processing formal Title IX sexual harassment complaints. This webinar will train Investigators on these requirements and provide detailed recommendations and best practices for conducting investigatory interviews, assessing credibility, making relevance determinations, collecting and sharing evidence, preparing an investigative report, and serving impartially.

Title IX: Decision Maker Webinar

Date: August 2

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The Title IX regulations require that an objective Decision-Maker/Hearing Officer be appointed to determine whether a respondent is responsible for engaging in Title IX sexual harassment. This webinar will provide a comprehensive review of the role of the Decision-Maker/Hearing Officer in the formal Title IX sexual harassment grievance process, with a focus on presiding over live hearings. This webinar will also identify points of clarification from the Department of Education relevant to the Decision Maker/Hearing Officer role, including the Decision Maker/Hearing Officer’s ability to consider statements by parties who do not submit to cross-examination. The webinar will offer recommendations for conducting hearings, evaluating evidence and credibility, determining relevance, and applying the Title IX regulations’ rape shield protections. Finally, this webinar will include helpful tips for preparing written determinations and recognizing and avoiding bias and conflicts of interest, as required by the Title IX regulations.

Register Here!

Title IX: Appellate Decision Maker Webinar

Date: August 9

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m

Under the Title IX regulations, both parties have the right to appeal any determination of responsibility and any dismissal of a formal Title IX sexual harassment complaint or allegations therein. This webinar will focus on the role of the Appellate Decision-Maker in reviewing Title IX sexual harassment appeals and will provide participants with a step-by-step overview of the appeal process, including a discussion of the permissible grounds for appeal and the procedural rights afforded to parties during the appeal process. This webinar will also include recommendations for evaluating appeals and issuing written appeal determinations.

Register Here!

Title IX: Coordinator Webinar

Date: August 15

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

An institution’s Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the institution’s response to Title IX reports and complaints, managing the grievance process from start to finish, and ensuring that adequate training is provided to students, faculty, and staff on Title IX issues. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Title IX Coordinator’s vast responsibilities, including assessing and responding to reports of Title IX sexual harassment, managing the grievance process, issuing required notices to the parties, and maintaining appropriate records. This webinar will also address the recent Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2022 and its overlap with Title IX, including changes to the definition of “domestic violence” and campus climate survey requirements for higher education institutions.

Register Here!

RECORDED WEBINAR: Freedom of Religion on School Grounds: Recent Supreme Court Decision Opens the Door for More Religious Expression
2022-08-11 10:00 - 11:30
Webinar Request: Freedom of Religion on School Grounds: Recent Supreme Court Decision Opens the Door for More Religious Expression

Name*

First

Last

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Topics Covered:

The United States Supreme Court, in a decision many view as further erosion of the separation of church and state doctrine, ruled that a public high school coach had a First Amendment right to pray on the football field immediately after a game. In this webinar, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and analyze its potential impact on the ability of public educational institutions to regulate employee and student religious speech on school grounds. Attendees will also be provided guidance and recommendations to ensure that their religious expression policies and practices are consistent with this new decision.

What You Will Learn:

An understanding of the Supreme Court’s decision in Kennedy

The specific facts of the Kennedy case and why facts matter

The interplay and conflict between the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion and establishment of religion clauses.

Practical guidance on school district policies and practices governing religious expression in the workplace

Who Should Attend:

District and School Administrators

Human Resources Officers

Board Members

Register Here!

RECORDED WEBINAR: Freedom of Religion on Campus: Recent Supreme Court Decision Opens the Door for More Religious Expression
2022-08-03 10:00 - 11:30
Webinar Request: Freedom of Religion on Campus: Recent Supreme Court Decision Opens the Door for More Religious Expression

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

Δ

Topics Covered:

The United States Supreme Court, in a decision many view as further erosion of the separation of church and state doctrine, ruled that a public high school coach had a First Amendment right to pray on the football field immediately after a game. In this webinar, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and analyze its potential impact on the ability of public educational institutions to regulate employee and student religious speech on campus. Attendees will also be provided guidance and recommendations to ensure that their religious expression policies and practices are consistent with this new decision.

What You Will Learn:

An understanding of the Supreme Court’s decision in KennedyThe specific facts of the Kennedy case and why facts matterThe interplay and conflict between the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion and establishment of religion clauses.Practical guidance on college policies and practices governing religious expression in the workplace

Who Should Attend:

College AdministratorsHuman Resources OfficersTrustees

RECORDED WEBINAR: Unpacking the Proposed Title IX Regulations: A Breakfast Briefing for Higher Education Institutions
2022-07-13 09:00 - 10:15
Webinar Request: Unpacking the Proposed Title IX Regulations: A Breakfast Briefing for Higher Education Institutions

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

Δ

Topics Covered:

On June 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education released for public comment its proposed amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). If finalized in their current form, the proposed regulations would significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing the obligations of post-secondary institutions that receive federal funding to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their education programs and activities. Join us for a comprehensive analysis of the proposed amendments, along with a discussion on their potential impact on colleges and universities.

Who Should Attend:

Title IX Coordinators

Investigators

Decision-Makers

Appellate Decision-Makers

Informal Resolution Facilitators

College administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

Register Here!

RECORDED WEBINAR: Unpacking the Proposed Title IX Regulations: A Breakfast Briefing for K-12 School Districts
2022-07-12 09:00 - 10:15
Webinar Request: Unpacking the Proposed Title IX Regulations: A Breakfast Briefing for K-12 School Districts

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

Δ

Topics Covered:

On June 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education released for public comment its proposed amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). If finalized in their current form, the proposed regulations would significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing school districts’ obligations to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their education programs and activities. Join us for a comprehensive analysis of the proposed amendments, along with a discussion on their potential impact on K-12 schools and school districts.

This webinar will include a Q&A segment. Please email criehle@robbins-schwartz.com by Monday, July 11 with any questions about the proposed Title IX regulations that you would like our speakers to address.

Who Should Attend:

Nondiscrimination and Title IX CoordinatorsComplaint managers and investigatorsSuperintendentsPrincipalsAssistant Principals Other district administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

RECORDED WEBINAR: Best Laid Plans: Where to Start, What to do, and How to Implement Plans for Restraint and Time Out Reduction
2022-04-27 12:00 - 13:30
Webinar Request: Best Laid Plans: Where to Start, What to Do, and How to Implement Plans for Restraint and Time Out Reduction (April 27)

Name*

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CompanyJob Title

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Topics Covered:

The restraint and time-out webinar will highlight the recent legislative changes made to restraint and time-out standards. The presentation will review the notice, meeting, and documentation requirements now in place. The second half of the presentation will cover the development of restraint and time-out plans and detail practical considerations and strategies for plan implementation and compliance.

What You Will Learn:

The legislative changes made to restraint and time out standards; Processes and procedures for complying with the requirements; and Practical Guidance for completing and implementing time out and restraint reduction plans.

Who Should Attend:

Special Education Administrators Student Services Staff MembersPrincipals/Assistant PrincipalsStaff Involved in Crisis ManagementUpper Level Administrators

RECORDED WEBINAR: Best Laid Plans: Where to Start, What to do, and How to Implement Plans for Restraint and Time Out Reduction
2022-04-22 10:00 - 11:30
Webinar Request: Best Laid Plans: Where to Start, What to Do, and How to Implement Plans for Restraint and Time Out Reduction

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

Δ

Topics Covered:

The restraint and time-out webinar will highlight the recent legislative changes made to restraint and time-out standards. The presentation will review the notice, meeting, and documentation requirements now in place. The second half of the presentation will cover the development of restraint and time-out plans and detail practical considerations and strategies for plan implementation and compliance.

What You Will Learn:

The legislative changes made to restraint and time out standards; Processes and procedures for complying with the requirements; and Practical Guidance for completing and implementing time out and restraint reduction plans.

Who Should Attend:

Special Education Administrators Student Services Staff MembersPrincipals/Assistant PrincipalsStaff Involved in Crisis ManagementUpper Level Administrators

Purchasing and Construction Conference
2022-04-08 08:30 - 12:30
Register for our Upcoming Conference Today! This year’s conference is being held in a Hybrid format with a virtual option.

Registration begins at 8:00 am and the Conference will begin at 8:30!

Location:

Hyatt Lodge

2815 Jorie Blvd

Oak Brook, IL 60523

Topics Include:

Bidding 101: Bidding Requirements, Exceptions, and Strategies for Cooperative PurchasingManaging a Successful Construction Project: From Team Selection to CloseoutRefund Recapture and Maximizing Revenue Under PTELLIdentifying Key Terms in Construction, Data and Licensing, and Other Commercial Contracts

Purchasing and Construction Conference Registration 2022

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Company*Job Title*Please Select How You Plan to Attend*In-PersonVirtually

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RECORDED WEBINAR: Making a Statement (of Economic Interests): Questions and Answers about New Disclosure Requirements
2022-04-07 12:00 - 13:00
Webinar Request: Making a Statement (of Economic Interests): Questions and Answers about New Disclosure Requirements

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CompanyJob Title

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Topics Covered:

Elected officials, candidates for office, appointed members of governing boards, and certain government employees must annually file a Statement of Economic Interests form by May 1 of each year. This year, due to the recent amendments to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act that went into effect on January 1, 2022, individuals required to file a Statement of Economic Interests must now disclose significantly more information, including assets with a value exceeding $10,000, sources of income in excess of $7,500, creditors of debt in excess of $10,000, and more. Individuals required to file must also list the economic interests of their spouse and children.

The Secretary of State recently issued guidance relating to the completion and filing of the Statement of Economic Interests, but many questions remain unanswered. Join us for an overview of the new filing requirements under the Governmental Ethics Act, along with a panel discussion of various fact scenarios and frequently asked questions relating to the Statement of Economic Interests.

What You Will Learn:

The legislative changes made to restraint and time out standards; Processes and procedures for com

Who must file Statements of Economic Interest;New disclosure requirements in Statements of Economic Interest;What assets, sources of income, and debts must be disclosed;What economic interests of family members must be disclosed.

Who Should Attend:

Board MembersCandidates for Elected OfficeGovernment Departmental/Division HeadsGovernment Employees with Authority over Contracts
