Jordan Gerard/Winonan
The complaint department at Winona State University listens to a new set of complaints each day.
As Winona State’s new director of affirmative action, Lori Mikl not only helps students and employees with complaints, she ensures that employees and students are treated in a non-discriminatory, unbiased and fair way.
The department covers a wide range of issues from harassment, sexual assault and employee misconduct to fraud and discrimination.
“Every day is like starting the first day again, and that’s what makes it great,” Mikl said.
She has worked in the Winona State legal affairs department as a legal analyst and as the interim director of affirmative action since 2008.
Mikl said the key to her promotion was willingness to work hard and demonstrating that you are capable of the position you want.
As director, Mikl oversees the entire office of affirmative action and equality and legal affairs, which is a large part of the administrative branch at Winona State.
Mikl makes sure that any university department is in accordance with “Title IX,” which is a portion of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Mikl said it states that not one single person in the United States, on the basis of sex, can be excluded from participation or benefits or subjected to discrimination in any education program or activity.
This department sets up sexual assault prevention programs and trains security and the housing association members about how to prepare for and respond to sexual harassment and assault incidents.
When Mikl receives a complaint from students, faculty or staff, her role is to remain neutral and be a finder of fact, which means interview the complainant, defendant and any witnesses.
She then writes an investigative report, but does not give her opinion about what should be done. She then sends it off to another department to decide the disciplinary action.
Mikl’s department is also the hiring office for the entire Winona State campus.
They help with advertising positions and any difficulties people might have with applying. They also provide the appropriate evaluation forms.
In order for any application to get to Human Resources, Mikl’s approval is needed at every step.
The legal affairs side of her office handles employee and short-term contracts, and provides liability waivers for organizations’ activities, like climbing Sugar Loaf. They also approve field trips for clubs and classes.
Contact Jordan at [email protected]