Sexual Assault Awareness Month

03/30/2017

Dear Faculty & Staff,

 

As you know, it is extremely important to foster an environment of safety, respect, unity, and encouragement across campus. To achieve this goal, we constantly seek ways to eliminate sexual violence from our community. You might be surprised to learn how far our University has come in this pursuit, and how easily you can contribute to the eradication of this behavior.

The University of Akron was among the first universities in the state to conduct a sexual assault survey to assess the experiences of students with violence and prevalence of assaults on campus. A subsequent student survey is going out today.

We also welcomed the Rape Crisis Center to campus with offices in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and in the Student Union, a step that other universities are modeling. And we have developed an array of programs, services and campaigns to educate students about healthy relationships.

One of those programs is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which extends through April. Several events are planned throughout the month, but I want to draw your attention to one in particular: a presentation by Mike Pistorino this coming Monday, April 3, at 6 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom. He is a survivor of child sexual abuse, drug abuse, homelessness, and prison. Mike overcame enormous odds to become a prolific public speaker and champion for survivors of sexual abuse, as well as a Cleveland business leader and a father of three daughters. His talk is free and open to all.

This is also a good time to recall that we are legally obliged, as responsible employees, to report to a Title IX coordinator instances of sexual misconduct, stalking, gender-based harassment and more. The Dean of Students Office has created this handy summary as a guide. I encourage you to read and retain it as a reference.

Finally, to assist in the identification and reporting of incidents of sexual misconduct, you will receive a separate email soon containing a link for online training I ask you to complete.

Thank you for all you do to provide a safe, welcoming and enriching environment for our students.

Sincerely,

President's signatureMatthew J. Wilson
President
The University of Akron


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