Efficiency in Education: How Wheaton College Is Modernizing Its Title IX Training for Student-Athletes

Wheaton College’s Equity and Title IX office has introduced a new virtual training program for student-athletes, making it easier and more efficient for them to meet their NCAA eligibility requirements. The online course, which became mandatory on July 14, 2025, is a significant departure from the previous system, which relied on in-person team meetings. The new format allows student-athletes to complete two key requirements: recognizing their school’s Title IX Coordinator and knowing how to file a Title IX report.

The move to online modules was driven by a need for greater efficiency. According to Beth Maas, Wheaton’s Title IX Coordinator, the old system was a source of inconvenience and stress for both her office and the athletic staff, with Maas having to conduct 10-15 individual meetings each year for athletes who missed their team sessions. The new virtual format shifts the workload to a time when her office is less busy, lightening the load for everyone involved.

The online training is broken down into four modules, each with a quiz. It also includes additional resources, videos, and reading materials, and it must be completed before an athlete begins their season. While the process is streamlined and quick, some students have noted potential drawbacks. Cooper Starks, a senior on the basketball team, pointed out that the new format limits the real-time feedback and group discussion that are possible in a team setting. Similarly, Laura Prothero, a senior on the women’s cross country and track and field teams, found that she had a harder time staying focused in the virtual environment.

Despite these concerns, the training fulfills not only the NCAA requirements but also the college’s own Community Covenant, which emphasizes the prevention of all forms of discrimination and harassment. By transitioning to this new system, Wheaton College is attempting to balance the need for streamlined efficiency with the vital importance of Title IX education for its student-athletes.