March 27, 2018
To: University of Chicago Students
From: Bridget Collier, Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator for the University, and Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
Subject: Sexual Misconduct Support and Resources
Date: March 27, 2018
Dear Students,
The University of Chicago is fundamentally committed to values that promote the full participation of all members of our community. As part of that commitment, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected classes. Sexual misconduct – which encompasses a range of behaviors, from sexual assault to sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking – violates the standards of our community, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.
The University’s Equal Opportunity Programs, in the Office of the Provost, and under the leadership of Bridget Collier, Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator for the University, directs and coordinates campus-wide efforts to address sexual misconduct and discriminatory harassment. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to enhance and improve how sexual misconduct is handled and prevented, the University’s Equal Opportunity Programs area was recently re-organized to include a new Office for Sexual Misconduct Support and Resources. We are pleased to announce that Shea Wolfe will serve as the Director of this Office in addition to her role as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students and Associate Dean of Students for the University. Shea will have primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day functions associated with the University's Title IX obligations related to students. In coordination with campus partners, including the Office of the Dean of Students in the University, Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention and Health Promotion and Wellness, she also will lead efforts on training and prevention of sexual misconduct. Shea’s office is located at 5501 S. Ellis Avenue, and she can be reached at 773.702.0438 or swolfe1@uchicago.edu.
We would also like to specifically highlight some of the programs and initiatives that have been created since the 2015 Climate Survey, which examined sexual assault and misconduct on campus. These include:
- The Office of the Provost’s Student Advisory Board on Sexual Misconduct, which is a group of students from the College, graduate divisions and professional schools who serve as a liaison between the Office of the Provost and students. The Board provides student perspectives and input on policies, procedures, and programs pertaining to the prevention of sexual misconduct.
- New educational materials, which provide the campus community with information, knowledge, and awareness of roles, responsibilities, processes, and policies under Title IX and the University Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct including responsible employee obligations, confidentiality options, and student support and resources.
- In an effort to provide additional resources for both complainants and respondents, the University has launched the Support Person Initiative. Under this initiative, trained faculty, other academic appointees, and staff are available to serve as support people during student disciplinary matters and can provide emotional and personal support during any administrative or formal process.
Additional information and a full listing of all programs and initiatives, can be found at http://voices.uchicago.edu/equity/news-announcements.
For additional information regarding the University’s response to sexual misconduct and resources (including confidential resources) available to our community, please visit the UMatter website or the Equal Opportunity Programs website.
If you would like to request a training or educational session offered by the Office for Sexual Misconduct Support and Resources for your group, RSO, athletic team, House, or residence hall, please click here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. We look forward to continuing to work with students, faculty and staff to enhance, develop, and implement programs and resources that prevent the occurrence of sexual misconduct and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Sincerely,
Bridget Collier
Associate Provost, Equal Opportunity Programs
Title IX Coordinator for the University
equalopportunity@uchicago.edu
Michele Rasmussen
Dean of Students in the University