Spring 2025 Newsletter
A Season of Reflection, Milestones, and Momentum
Lilacs are blooming across Rochester, New York — a reminder of growth, renewal, and how quickly time passes. At Nearpass & Koegel, we’re feeling that same energy as we reflect on the milestones of the past year and look ahead to what’s next.
We’re excited to share our 2024 Year-in-Review infographic, highlighting the work we were honored to do with our clients and partners. This season also gave our team the chance to step away from day-to-day work, recharge, and reconnect at a recent firm retreat.
We’re also thrilled to share that we’ve welcomed a new team member to Nearpass & Koegel! You can learn more about him later in this issue.
As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to providing thoughtful, high-quality services to the organizations we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey.
In this issue:
2024 Year in Review
New Faces
Firm Happenings
Legal Updates
Interim Support Services
Upcoming Events
2024 Year in Review
Celebrating Our Work Together
This past year was marked by growth, meaningful impact, and a deepened commitment to our work. From expanding our team of investigators to providing critical services across sectors, we strengthened both our expertise and our partnerships. We're grateful to the clients and communities who made it all possible.
New Faces
Firm Happenings
Nearpass & Koegel is proud to sponsor the Allen Creek Elementary Fun Run this month. We’re excited to support an event that promotes education, connection, and community spirit!
In April, Nearpass & Koegel hosted the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Upstate New York Local Circle with guest Stacy DeRooy, Executive Director of Title IX and Clery Compliance at Rochester Institute of Technology, who shared how social media, online dating, and explicit online content are influencing the increasing prevalence of dating/domestic violence and sexual assault.
Nearpass & Koegel has stepped up to the plate once again as a Pittsford Little League sponsor this season — supporting the home team and building community one inning at a time.
In March, Kate participated in AWI’s Advanced Workplace Investigator Training Program, a two-day course that included a mock investigation exercise. The session was well-received, with discussions underway to replicate it for a broader audience.
Rachel traveled to San Antonio, Texas in March to attend the Spring 2025 CLE Workshop: Discrimination Law offered by the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Last quarter, our entire team gathered in Aurora, New York, for a spring retreat focused on connection, idea sharing, and growth—creating space to recharge and prepare for the year ahead.
Legal Updates
What You Need to Know About the Stop Campus Hazing Act | As professionals dedicated to supporting colleges and universities, it's essential to stay informed about legislation impacting campus safety and compliance. The Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law on December 23, 2024, marks a significant step in strengthening hazing prevention and transparency on college campuses.
Key Requirements for Institutions Under the Act:
Include reported hazing incidents in annual security reports
Implement hazing policies, including reporting guidelines, investigative procedures, and hazing prevention
Create and publish on their public website a Campus Hazing Transparency Report
By requiring colleges and universities to be more transparent about hazing incidents and more proactive in education, this landmark legislation aims to reduce harm and build safer campus communities.
For more information, including implementation dates and details, visit the Clery Center.
As always, Nearpass & Koegel remains aligned with evolving federal and institutional standards. If your institution is working to strengthen its response to hazing or other forms of misconduct, our experienced team is ready to support through impartial investigations, hearings, trainings, and related services.
Interim Support
A Reminder for Our Clients: Nearpass & Koegel offers interim support services to institutions of higher education and other organizations. Our experienced attorneys are available to provide coverage during vacancies in key compliance roles or to fill critical skill gaps on your team.
Whether you need Title IX support or interim assistance with investigations, Nearpass & Koegel is here to help ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and in accordance with applicable standards.
Upcoming Events
Did you miss the AWI Upstate New York Local Circle last month? Visit the AWI website to learn more about upcoming events and programs!
This month, Rachel is teaching at AWI’s May Training Institute in Portland, Oregon, and Kate is slated to teach at the August 2025 Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. While registration for both is full, AWI has announced its 2026 Institute dates—be sure to mark your calendar! Upcoming dates are available on the AWI website.
Nearpass & Koegel is sponsoring a 2025 Legislative Update for Human Resource professionals on June 18, 2025. The event is presented by the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (GVC SHRM). Click here to learn more.
Registration is open for the NACUA Annual Conference, taking place June 22–25, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. Visit NACUA for more information.
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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