As the fall season settles in, we're pleased to share the latest news and updates from Nearpass & Koegel. This edition highlights some of the work, conversations, and connections that have kept us busy over the past few months, along with insights and resources we hope you'll find valuable. As always, we're grateful for the continued support and relationships we've built with our clients, colleagues, and friends. Thank you for being part of our community!
In this issue:
Firm Happenings
Forty Under 40 — Congratulations, Rachel!
Legal Update: Protect College Sports Act
Save the Date: 2027 Integrity on Campus Symposium
Upcoming Events
Firm Happenings
FFTA Leadership Summit | October 27–28, 2026
Kate Nearpass, Co-Managing Partner of Nearpass & Koegel, spoke at the 2026 FFTA Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. As part of the Board Leadership Track, Kate presented “Oversight Without Interference: Board Governance in High-Stakes Workplace Investigations,” exploring the role of board governance in navigating complex workplace investigations.
University of Vermont Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference | October 19–21, 2026
Nearpass & Koegel was pleased to sponsor the University of Vermont’s Annual Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference in Burlington, Vermont. Kate, along with Julie Burke, Director of Operations, attended and enjoyed connecting with colleagues from across higher education and supporting this important event.
AWI Annual Conference | October 15–16, 2026
Nearpass & Koegel was proud to sponsor the AWI Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington. Co-Managing Partner Rachel Koegel attended on behalf of the firm, connecting with colleagues and supporting the workplace investigations community.
ATIXA Annual Conference | October 12–17, 2026
Nicole Ladner, Senior Investigator & Hearing Officer, attended the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, connecting with Title IX, Title VI, and civil rights compliance colleagues and professionals.
AWI Training Institute | August & October 2026
The Nearpass & Koegel team continues to support professional development through the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI). Kate taught at the AWI Training Institute in Denver, Colorado, and Rachel served as a faculty evaluator for the Virtual Institute.
Forty Under 40
We're thrilled to celebrate Rachel as a 2026 Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree!
Rachel's leadership has been instrumental in building our firm and advancing our work in independent investigations and impartial client services. Her commitment to fairness, integrity, and thoughtful service extends beyond our clients and our profession into the Rochester community.
We're incredibly proud to see Rachel recognized alongside this year's outstanding group of Rochester leaders. Congratulations, Rachel!
Legal Update
Protect College Sports Act
On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 (S. 4668) by a bipartisan vote of 77–22. The bill includes provisions addressing student-athlete safety, including reasonable actions to prevent, assess, and remediate abuse and hazing, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. The legislation awaits further action in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Independent investigations can be one option for assessing allegations and informing an appropriate response. Nearpass & Koegel provides neutral, independent investigative services to help colleges and universities address concerns involving hazing, sexual and other misconduct, and student safety.
Learn more: Read the bill text | Read the Senate announcement
Save the Date
Save the Date!
We’re excited to announce Integrity on Campus: Investigations, Compliance & Civil Rights, a one-day higher education symposium hosted by Nearpass & Koegel in Rochester, New York on June 8, 2027!
We’re bringing together professionals from across higher education for a day of conversation, collaboration, and practical insights on the complex issues shaping campus investigations, compliance, and civil rights.
Join our email list to receive symposium announcements, program updates, registration information, and other details as they become available.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Upcoming Events
AWI Training Institute Dates for 2027 – Register Today
Registration is available for the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2027 Training Institute. This program is ideal for professionals looking to strengthen their workplace investigations skills and practice. Seats may fill quickly, so plan ahead!
2027 Training Dates & Locations:
January 25–29, 2027 | Portland, OR
May 3–7, 2027 | Denver, CO
August 16–20, 2027 | San Francisco, CA
October 18–22, 2027 | Virtual
Integrity on Campus: Investigations, Compliance & Civil Rights – Save the Date!
Join us on June 8, 2027, for a one-day symposium hosted by Nearpass & Koegelbringing together higher education professionals to explore emerging issues, share insights, and connect around campus investigations, compliance, and civil rights. Planning is underway! Join our email list to receive the latest announcements and updates as details become available.
AWI Upstate New York Local Circle
Did you miss our most recent Local Circle gathering? Visit the AWI website to learn more about upcoming AWI events and programs and stay tuned for details about our next Local Circle event.
If you would like to discuss any topics covered in this newsletter or if you need assistance with investigations, mediation, interim support, Title IX services, or training, please contact us. We are here to assist you.
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