日韩无码

Communications and Information

日韩无码 is working diligently to build trust through transparency, training, and personal support.

The University takes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing sexual violence which addresses response, prevention, communications and resource allocation. There are also several pieces of information for the community to be aware of concerning these issues on campus.

Communications, Updates, and Reporting

日韩无码's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (SVPR) Committee Structure

The 日韩无码 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Steering Committee identifies strategic direction of related sexual violence prevention and response work. This committee is responsible for regular communications to senior leadership regarding planning efforts and progress. The committee includes members from the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Students, the Office of Equal Opportunity, University Communications, Office of General Counsel, and the university's Clery Act Coordinator.

Committees and Membership

Sexual Violence Prevention Council
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The council is an interdisciplinary group of students, staff, and faculty at 日韩无码 who identify and address needs related to sexual harm on campus. We aim to transform our campus鈥 sexual violence prevention approach by identifying and meeting with stakeholders to collaborate on relevant initiatives and engaging with these partners to initiate theory driven and/or evidence-based innovative solutions. We do this by exploring environmental approaches that make sexual violence less likely to occur. Our goal is to reduce sexual harm within the 日韩无码 community and create a campus culture more supportive of survivors of harm.鈥 

  • Chair: Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator (SVPEC), Elliot Ruggles, Ph.D.
  • Charge: Coordination of prevention programming
  • Staff: Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHWB) Outreach and Education and Public Health teams, PIVOT coordinator and CNHS faculty, student representation
Sexual Violence Assessment Committee
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This committee reviews data related to a holistic prevention approach addressing sexual and gender-based violence and reviewing evaluation efforts for these programs.  The committee is comprised of staff and faculty, each with unique perspectives on sexual violence, aiming to ensure successful programs. 

  • Chair: SVPEC Coordinator
  • Charge: Assessment of programming and data collection
  • Staff: CHWB Outreach and Education, HSFD Faculty, OIRA, Student Life
Policy and Procedure Committee
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This committee meets as needed to update policy language in accordance with state and federal law. 

  • Chair: Title IX Coordinator Emily McCarthy
  • Charge: Develops and adjusts 日韩无码 policies and procedures relating to sexual misconduct.
  • Staff: Center for Student Conduct, Office of General Counsel, Vice Provost and Dean of Students Office, Equal Opportunity, Police Services, Compliance Services
  • Policies include: Discrimination Policy, EO procedures, hearing and sanctioning procedures, sanctioning guidelines, advisor resources
Sexual Misconduct Response Team (SMRT)
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An interdisciplinary team of professionals meeting monthly responding to cases related to sexual violence, who are either involved in Title IX processes or the university otherwise has been made aware of. 

  • Co-Chairs: Title IX Coordinator (McCarthy) and Support Coordinator for Equal Opportunity Ava Spiegel
  • Charge: Coordinates the Sexual Misconduct Response Team (SMRT) which handles case management for Title IX and sexual misconduct reports
  • SMRT Members: Center for Student Conduct, Office of General Counsel, Vice Provost and Dean of Students Office, Equal Opportunity, Police Services, Center for Health and Wellbeing, Residential Life
  • Cadence: Monthly meeting
Interdisciplinary Sexual Misconduct Committee
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A group of professionals across the university with a vested interest in addressing sexual misconduct. Meeting regularly, this group tracks trends and needs across the university. Includes members from Residential Life, Safety and Compliance, Equal Opportunity, Athletics, Inclusive Excellence, and more. 

  • Co-Chairs: Title IX Coordinator (McCarthy) and SVPEC (Ruggles)
  • Charge: Informs campus partners on 日韩无码 policy, resources, and trends relating to prevention and response. Informs student support and secondary prevention efforts.
  • Stakeholders: CHWB, HOPE Works, Student Services, Identity Centers, Athletics, Student Life, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residential Life, Faculty, Compliance, LER, Police Services
  • Cadence: Meets semesterly

Policies and Procedures

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Learn more about 日韩无码's policies related to discrimination, harassment, bias, and sexual misconduct through the 日韩无码 Office of Equal Opportunity's Policies and Procedures webpage. 

Quick links to sexual violence-specific policy pages are below for easy access.

You can also view all 日韩无码 policies, including an A-Z Index, at the 日韩无码 policy library.

University Progress Archive

FALL 2021 AAEO Changes
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日韩无码 contracted with Grand River Solutions to conduct an independent, external review of our Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (鈥淎AEO鈥), which is responsible for conducting investigations under the Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct policy. Grand River Solutions delivered their findings on October 25, 2021. President Suresh Garimella directed the AAEO office to implement all recommendations.

日韩无码 AAEO Report (pdf)

RequestStatusSummary of Actions
Attempt to engage with non-responsive reporting parties at least three times and by using a variety of contact methods.滨尘辫濒别尘别苍迟别诲鉁Recommendation implemented immediately upon receipt of report, on October 25, 2021; AAEO staff have met several times since to review progress and mechanisms for outreach.
Ensure campus stakeholders have a consistent understanding of supportive measures that are available, and AAEO processes overall.Ongoing 鈫AAEO will continue to expand collaboration with campus stakeholders, including HOPE Works, the Vice Provost and Dean of Students offices, the Center for Student Conduct, 日韩无码 Athletics, Residential Life, Identity Centers, CAPS, Student Health Services, 日韩无码 Police Services, student services staff, faculty, and other partners. Based on the unique role of each stakeholder group, AAEO will continue to provide in-person and online training, provide updates on policy and practice, and partner on programming relating to sexual violence. AAEO staff staff and Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator continue to meet regularly to discuss these ongoing efforts.
Maintain all information related to each given report in a single centralized location.Implemented 鉁AAEO now maintains all information related to each given report in a single centralized location.
Develop thorough and easily-understood brochures, flowcharts, or similar materials that can be provided to the parties.Ongoing 鈫

The AAEO team understands the importance of clear communication with students on these sensitive topics and recognizes the need for improved clarity. We will expand on explanatory communications in various formats, including a process flow chart, clear descriptions of policy and procedures, an online FAQ section, and revised outreach language. 

Process flow chart and updated FAQs

Develop scripted checklists for investigators.滨尘辫濒别尘别苍迟别诲鉁Recognizing that every report of sexual misconduct is unique and requires its own set of inquiry questions, AAEO investigators necessarily develop interview checklists relevant to each case. However, based on this recommendation, the AAEO team immediately wrote a scripted checklist covering elements that are necessary in every case, including making sure involved parties are informed of next steps, that they're in a safe place, and what to do if retaliation occurs.
Provide regular, more specifically titled, status updates to parties.Ongoing 鈫Recommendation implemented immediately upon receipt of report, on October 25, 2021; the AAEO team modified its case-management tool to allow for customized subject lines when sending updates to parties, and modified practices to ask involved parties for their communication and frequency preferences in receiving status updates.
Extension notices should include a new due date and should not be sent the week a report is due.Implemented 鉁The AAEO team is sensitive about the timing of final reports and understands the importance of timely resolution. Practices have been updated to prevent extension notice being issued the same week a report is expected to be issued.
Investigators should schedule follow-up interviews with parties rather than cold-call parties with follow-up questions.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; the AAEO team will make preliminary contact with parties before seeking in-depth follow up.
Ensure timing of report delivery takes into account the availability of support resources for processing of information.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; AAEO investigators will continue to work closely with staff who provide support resources to ensure student needs are met, including CAPS, HopeWorks, Student Health Services, and AAEO process advisors.
Include a robust evidence log in each report.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; final reports will now include a log of evidence gathered, including notation of whether it was considered (per standard practice) or not considered.
Write reports in a way that students understand the rationale and conclusion, including clear and concise analysis of credibility.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; AAEO investigators will endeavor to write reports in a way that translates legal terminology into clear, explanatory conclusions and will continue to develop this skill through training and professional development.
Include greater detail in reports to help explain findings regarding consent.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; AAEO investigators will work to communicate findings regarding consent in a simplified way that is clear and concise and connect students with support services to help them understand and process findings, including CAPS, HopeWorks, Student Health Services, and AAEO process advisors.
Include additional explanation regarding the distinctions between drunk, intoxicated, incapacitated, etc.滨尘辫濒别尘别苍迟别诲鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; when applicable, AAEO staff will endeavor to explain in a detailed manner the distinctions between states of drunkenness, intoxication, and incapacitation.
Articulate incapacitation analysis separate from the analysis of whether respondent knew or should have known of complainant鈥檚 incapacitation.Implemented 鉁Recommendation implemented October 25, 2021; when applicable, AAEO investigators will include a clear articulation of whether the respondent knew or should have known of complainant's incapactiation separate from the incapacitation analysis.
Spring 2021 Student Request Progress Update
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In Spring 2021, students presented 17 requests to the administration in the interest of keeping 日韩无码鈥檚 campus safe for everyone. Following constructive conversations with student government and other representative bodies, the administration committed to meeting the requests.

RequestStatusSummary of Actions
日韩无码 conduct an independent investigation into the 日韩无码鈥檚 Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Title IX Office, including the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy IX Coordinator, Title IX Intake and Outreach Coordinator, and all investigators to restore the 日韩无码 student body鈥檚 trust.Implemented鉁Commissioned independent, external review of intake and investigatory processes in Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity for complaints of sexual misconduct; began implementation of all recommendations. Read the 日韩无码 AAEO Report (PDF).
We encourage 日韩无码 to research, review, and create an internship or volunteer program for undergraduate students in the College of Education and Social Services who are interested in gaining experience in the field of sexual violence advocacy and hope to support student survivors. We encourage 日韩无码 administrators to refer to Boston University Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center which provides undergraduate students with these opportunities.Ongoing&苍产蝉辫;鈫Reviewed programs at Boston University and other institutions; formal internship planning is on track for Fall 2022 launch; volunteer opportunities are in planning stages for Spring 2022.
The Vice Provost for Student Affairs and 日韩无码 Title IX Director review every survey response given by 日韩无码 Students in the survey created by Explain The Asterisk founder and Title IX Student Advisory Committee member, in order to effectively understand the University鈥檚 systemic failure to support survivors of sexual violence on our campus thus far.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Reviewed every survey response provided on July 1, 2021.
The 日韩无码 Title IX Advisory Committee continue to meet throughout the Summer and Fall of 2021 with the Title IX Intake and Outreach Coordinator and Vice Provost for Student Affairs to assess current sexual violence prevention and healthy relationship education efforts and recommend enhancements, including enhancements that extend beyond students鈥 first year.Ongoing&苍产蝉辫;鈫Met with student leaders during summer and early Fall 2021; created role of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator; established a Student Sexual Violence Prevention Council to advise new Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator.
Every counselor employed through 日韩无码 Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS) undergo annual training on how to support survivors of sexual abuse, violence, and harassment.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Enhanced training on sexual violence and trauma-informed support for staff in Center for Health and Well Being, including counselors in 日韩无码 Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
All those employed by 日韩无码 Police are required to undergo annual training on sexual violence, domestic violence, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and stalking in order to better support all student survivors at 日韩无码, annual training should result in all members of the 日韩无码 Police to be able to effectively communicate on-campus and off-campus resources available to students at the University.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Enhanced training on sexual violence and trauma-informed support for staff in 日韩无码 Police Services.
日韩无码鈥檚 Department of Residential Life requires all Residential Advisors to undergo sexual violence and harassment training each semester to understand how to effectively support students and to be able to effectively communicate on-campus resources available to students at the University.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Enhanced training on sexual violence and trauma-informed support for staff Residential Life and student Residential Advisors.
The Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life enforce every recognized 日韩无码 Fraternity to attend sexual violence, harassment, or healthy relationship training once each semester, and report their chapter attendance rates on the 日韩无码 lynx. Should Fraternity attendance rates fall below 70% for 2 consecutive semesters, we demand that the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life place said Fraternity on probation effective immediately.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Implemented Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Training required for all students, every year (includes fraternities and sororities). Updated Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Recognition to reflect participation requirements and consequences for failing to meet requirements.
Director of Athletics, Jeff Schulman, require all 日韩无码 sports teams to attend sexual violence, harassment, or healthy relationship training at least once each semester.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Implemented Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Training required for all students, every year (includes athletic teams). 日韩无码 Athletics committed to additional on-going training and education about sexual misconduct for student-athletes and staff.
Student Government Association, henceforth referred to as SGA, attend sexual violence, harassment, and/or healthy relationship training at least once each semester.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Implemented Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Training required for all students, every year (includes SGA).
日韩无码 SGA requires all SGA clubs and organizations to complete sexual violence, harassment, and/or healthy relationship training annually to retain SGA recognition.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Implemented Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Training required for all students, every year (includes  SGA and SGA-approved student organizations).
日韩无码 GSS requires all senators, the executive council, GSS clubs, and GTAs/GRAs/GAs to complete sexual violence, harassment, and/or healthy relationship training annually.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Implemented Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education Training required for all students, every year (includes GSS, GTAs, GRAs, GAs).
The Title IX Office seeks to better and more effectively advertise to 日韩无码 students that the Title IX Office can help students outside of a formal reporting process.Ongoing&苍产蝉辫;鈫Updated Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO, the administrative home of 日韩无码's Title IX Coordinator) communications and procedures to reflect support services available to students outside the administrative reporting and resolution process; enhancing web pages and campus awareness through a coordinated campaign in Spring 2021.
The 日韩无码 administration hires between three-four more Campus Victims鈥 Advocates to serve as confidential counselors to all undergraduate student survivors of sexual misconduct effective Fall 2021. 日韩无码 create a 24/7, 365 day-a-year hotline specifically for student survivors of sexual violence and harassment.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Contracted with HOPE Works for 24/7 survivor and ally support, including availability of appointments on campus.
日韩无码 administration seeks to review a diverse pool of Campus Victims鈥 Advocates, as sexual violence affects all 日韩无码 students including BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+, and male-identifying individuals on our campus.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁HOPE Works provides 24/7 access to crisis counselors with diverse identities.
日韩无码 establish a Sexual Violence Response Team as a part of the University鈥檚 Student Health Services Department. The Sexual Violence Response Team must include 5 employees including a Director, an Assistant Director, and three to four Campus Victims鈥 Advocates effective fall 2021.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Formalized Sexual Misconduct Response Team with representation from key university offices to ensure coordinated and multi-disciplinary response to reported incidents.
日韩无码 continues to fund, support, and advertise the 日韩无码 LiveSafe App throughout Academic Year 2022 as the App allows students to report sexual violence or harassment privately from their phone with the option to attach videos, audio files, and pictures if they choose.Implemented&苍产蝉辫;鉁Committed to ongoing support and promotion of LiveSafe app. Additionally, renewed effort to maintain Blue Light security system across campus.
Past Communications
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