The results help to gain a comprehensive understanding of responding students’ experiences related to and awareness of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment.

“The results of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey provide important insights that inform and guide programs, services and awareness efforts in preventing, educating and responding to interpersonal violence. We appreciate the time students took to complete the survey as their feedback is critical to our collective work in continuing to foster a safe and supportive campus climate for all,” says task force co-chairs Sheriah Dixon, dean of students, and Kelly Chandler-Olcott, dean of the School of Education.

The survey administered in spring 2024 garnered a 22.7% response rate from a stratified random sample of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. While this response rate was lower than the 2022 survey, the number of respondents was nearly the same because of the larger sample size in 2024. Students, faculty and staff can access the full results of the survey by logging into MySlice and selecting the Student Resources or Employee Resources tile, respectively.

Key findings and takeaways from the students who responded to the 2024 survey include the following:

• Nearly 80% said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.
• Nearly 80% said they had a general understanding of ���ϲ�����’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• Nearly 70% had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
• Slightly less than 8% reported having experienced some form of non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) during their time at ���ϲ�����.
• 6% indicated that they had experienced relationship abuse during their time as a student at ���ϲ�����. These behaviors included physical violence, threats, verbal abuse and coercive behavior.

Support and Resources

Students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment can receive confidential counseling, advocacy and support, as well as discuss reporting options, with a member of the at the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, students may contact , an independent nonprofit organization, at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

• Title IX: call 315.443.0211; visit 005 Steele Hall; or email titleix@syr.edu.
• Department of Public Safety: call 315.443.2224; call or send a message via the Orange Safe app; 711 from any campus phone; #78 on your cell; or visit 005 Sims Hall.
• ���ϲ����� Police Department: call 315.435.3016.
• New York State Police: call 1.844.845.7269.
• Anonymous ���ϲ����� Reporting: .

Education, Awareness and Prevention Programs

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus or seeking to learn more about sexual and relationship violence, can visit the following resources for additional information:

• Participate in training opportunities offered by University offices and student organizations.
• Participate in .

For more information about resources, support, reporting and involvement opportunities, visit the and the website.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus for the 2024-25 academic year. I enjoy participating in Welcome Week activities every year and meeting so many of you and your families. As dean of students, I want you to know our staff are here to support you in achieving your goals and celebrating your successes. My colleagues in Student Experience and I all have different specialties and areas of expertise, but we all share one common goal—to provide support to you as you move through your time at ���ϲ�����. Together, we work with you to help you understand expectations, provide guidance and support when there is a concern, and empower you to develop critical life skills, like independence, accountability, self-advocacy and resiliency.

As you begin your classes and settle into a new routine, we are writing to share an overview of resources, services and pertinent policies. They are designed to promote a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Did you know well-being is one of the strongest predictors of academic success? That’s why it is so important to familiarize yourself with the . As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health, thriving and well-being in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered care. Our approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community and includes such things as physical and mental health care, recreation and fitness, pet therapy, mindfulness offerings, peer health education, crisis response and so much more. Please visit the website to explore the full slate of activities, resources and services.

Student Conduct Code

The outlines the standards we expect all students to uphold. Please familiarize yourself with the code. Details outlining the investigation, formal conduct, resolution by agreement and appeal processes and sanction guidelines may be found in the . If you have a concern about an alleged violation of the code, you can reach Community Standards at 315.443.3728, via email at studentconduct@syr.edu or using the . Their office is located at 804 University Ave., Suite 106.

���ϲ����� Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry

In May 2024, ���ϲ����� adopted and endorsed the “,” following a process in which a working group of faculty, students and staff sought and gathered community input. The statement defines and affirms the University’s commitment to free expression and free inquiry. We urge you to review it carefully.

Important Policies to Review

In addition to the aforementioned Student Conduct Code, the University has several policies that provide clear, consistent guidance around space reservations, prohibited harassment of others, demonstrations and other activity on campus. We urge you to review the following policies and visit to learn about other existing policies.

Student Title IX Case Management

Students who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence have . One of the options includes the Student Title IX Case Management team, which supports students through the reporting and investigation process when the alleged perpetrator of misconduct is a student. Students can reach Student Title IX Case Management at titleix@syr.edu or 315.443.0211. Their office is located at 005 Steele Hall. If you believe a staff or faculty member has violated the University’s policy on sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may contact Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services at equalopp@syr.edu or 315.443.4018.

Student Outreach and Support

Case managers in are available to assist students involved in University processes, including the conduct process and Title IX process, by providing supportive measures, explanations and follow-up services. They also support students navigating a personal difficulty or challenges through a variety of interventions, referrals and advocacy. Students can reach Student Outreach and Support at 315.443.4357 (HELP) or studentsupport@syr.edu. Their office is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 220.

STOP Bias and Hate Initiative

The University has a robust reporting system designed to empower individuals to alert appropriate officials to incidents that may be motivated by bias targeting on individual’s or group’s protected characteristic(s). The outlines resources to report and receive support for such incidents. Review the webpage for the definition of bias, reporting processes, how the University responds to reports, aggregated data by semester, educational opportunities and support resources. You may also elect to report a bias-motivated incident directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) via the options on the .

Department of Public Safety

In addition to the resources outlined above, we also encourage you to review the outlining important safety and reporting resources offered through DPS. DPS team members are focused on maintaining a safe and secure place to live, learn and work. Visit to learn more.

Stay Connected Digitally

There is a wealth of online resources that can help you make the most of your time at ���ϲ�����. Download the for convenient access to campus systems and information, frequently visit SU News to stay up-to-date on what’s happening across the University and on your favorite social media platforms.

The first weeks of a new academic year can be challenging. Please know that your fellow students, our staff and faculty want you to be successful and are available to provide any assistance you may need. If you have any questions, concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed above.

Wishing you a great semester,

Dean Dixon

Sheriah N. Dixon
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

“The results of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey provide important insights that inform and guide programs, services and awareness efforts in preventing, educating and responding to interpersonal violence. We appreciate the time students took to complete the survey as their feedback is critical to our collective work in continuing to foster a safe and supportive campus climate for all,” says Rob Hradsky, vice president for the student experience, interim Title IX coordinator for students and co-chair of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence.

The survey administered in spring 2022 garnered its highest response rate to date, with 35% of students completing the survey. A stratified random sample of nearly 4,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students received the survey. Students and faculty and staff can access the full results of the survey by logging into MySlice and selecting the Student Resources or Employee Resources tile, respectively.

This year’s survey was designed with feedback from students, resulting in refinement of questions and adjustments to formatting.

Key findings and takeaways from the students who responded to the 2022 survey include the following:

• 70% said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.
• 72% said they had a general understanding of ���ϲ�����’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• Nearly 60% had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
• Slightly more than 10% reported having experienced some form of non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) during their time at ���ϲ�����.
• Approximately 6% indicated they had experienced relationship abuse during their time as a student at ���ϲ�����. These behaviors included physical violence, threats, verbal abuse and coercive behavior.

The results of the survey help to inform practices, services and resources related to sexual and relationship violence. Prior survey results informed the creation of the centralized , the new structure to Title IX case management�����Ի� . This year’s results will support the task force and units across campus engaged in sexual and relationship violence efforts in continued work surrounding the national and conducting training for new and returning students.

Support and Resources

Students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment can receive confidential counseling, advocacy and support, as well as discuss reporting options, with a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response (SRVR) Team at the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, students may contact Vera House, an independent nonprofit organization, at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

• Title IX: call 315.443.0211; visit 005 Steele Hall; or email titleix@syr.edu.
• Department of Public Safety: call 315.443.2224; call or send a message via the Orange Safe app; 711 from any campus phone; #78 on your cell; or visit 005 Sims Hall
• ���ϲ����� Police Department: call 315.435.3016
• New York State Police: call 1.844.845.7269
• Anonymous ���ϲ����� Reporting:��

Education, Awareness and Prevention Programs

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus or seeking to learn more about sexual and relationship violence, can visit the following resources for additional information:

• Join the —open to students, faculty and staff—for updates about sexual and relationship prevention programming, initiatives and events on campus.
• Participate in training opportunities offered by the  or attend a Barnes Center at The Arch  session related to bystander intervention, consent or healthy relationships.
• Join the  who host programs and conduct outreach to educate fellow students.
• Connect with  on campus who support, advocate and educate others about issues related to sexual and relationship violence, sexual health and safety.
• Participate in .

For more information about resources, support, reporting and involvement opportunities, visit the .

“The University is constantly evaluating how we can improve the experience for every member of our community, including as it relates to their safety and well-being,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff, the University is better aligning its services and resources, strengthening its support of our community and working to streamline Title IX processes.”

Department of Public Safety

As part of this effort, the Department of Public Safety will now reside in the Division of the Student Experience with Chief Craig Stone reporting directly to Groves, who chaired the search committee that recommended Chief Stone for his post.

“Bringing public safety, Title IX, Community Standards and Student Living together in one division will allow ���ϲ����� to make our processes and procedures more efficient while supporting our students in a holistic, integrated and collaborative manner,” says Groves. “Together, our teams will be well positioned to apply our experience and  align our resources to ensure the most effective prevention and response strategies to these complex situations.”

Changes to Title IX

Key to the efficacy of the University’s Title IX resources is ensuring all involved parties receive tailored support, swift investigations and equitable and timely resolutions. To achieve these goals, there will be two Title IX teams: one dedicated to addressing complaints in which a student is alleged to have violated University policy, and the other in which a faculty or staff member is alleged to have violated University policy.

• Student Title IX Team: The Title IX team handling allegations against students will now reside within the Division of the Student Experience. This team will be led by a Title IX coordinator, for whom a search will commence this summer, and supported by three Title IX investigators and one case manager. Recruitment for the case manager position is also in progress. The Student Experience team focuses on supporting students inside and outside the classroom, from the time they arrive on campus until they graduate. Situations in which sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence are alleged to have occurred are among the most difficult experiences any student may face. Student Experience staff are well positioned to support students through the reporting and investigation process, working to bring all reports to a prompt and equitable resolution.
• Faculty/Staff Title IX Team: The Title IX team dedicated to investigating faculty and staff complaints will remain reporting to Sheila Johnson-Willis, associate vice president and chief equal opportunity and Title IX officer, who will also continue to report to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer. In addition to Title IX, the team will continue to support faculty and staff with training and direction for the broad range of equal opportunity matters. In addition to Johnson-Willis, the team will be staffed by two Title IX investigators, a Title IX employee coordinator and one training specialist.
• Continued Collaboration: While the two teams will have dedicated focus areas, they will continue to collaborate on several matters, including the completion of the yearly audit and compliance certifications as governed by New York State’s Enough Is Enough New York State Education Department Education Law. Both teams will also be represented on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence and the University Advisory Committee on Campus Security. The two teams will remain co-located in the existing EOIRS offices in Steele Hall through the remainder of the summer. The faculty/staff Title IX team will then move to South Campus to join the full Human Resources team; the student Title IX team will remain on North Campus.

“Students and faculty and staff have distinct needs and face different issues,” says Gordon. “These changes will strengthen our services to these unique constituency groups by providing access to professional staff who are best positioned to support them through the investigation and resolution processes. Not only does this realignment allow us to better support our community, it also means increased resources will be dedicated to this critically important and sensitive work.”

Bernie Jacobson

“We want all University members to understand that we take all allegations of discrimination or bias seriously, and we use evidence-based procedures to ensure that the appropriate result is reached for any allegation,” Jacobson says.

He emphasizes that each party in a matter is treated equally. “We treat everybody with dignity and respect,” he says.

Jacobson, whose role has also expanded to the position of deputy Title IX officer and the interim director of equal opportunity, investigates the factual circumstances surrounding allegations of discrimination or bias that have been made related to a protected category.

As the deputy Title IX officer and interim director of equal opportunity, he also facilitates the office’s informal resolution process, oversees investigative work by other investigators in the office and assists in evaluating complaints as they come in.

In this Q&A, Jacobson shares information about EOIRS processes, how people can reach out for support and what are the biggest misconceptions about the office.

Q: What are the issues and concerns that faculty and staff may come to your office to report?

A: Any staff or faculty member who is experiencing discrimination or harassment related to any protected category may report those concerns to our office. The protected categories are creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.

If anyone feels like they’re not being treated fairly—because of who they are—they can report that to us, and we can offer them options and support resources.

If the treatment is based on a protected category, then the best solution is available through our office. If it’s not based on a protected category, then we’ll make referrals to the appropriate person to handle or address the situation.

Q: What is the process of reporting if a faculty or staff members has a complaint against another faculty or staff member?

A: If somebody feels that they’re not being treated fairly and it’s based on a protected category, then they can contact our office by email at EqualOpp@syr.edu or phone at 315.443.4018, or they can stop by our office at 005 Steele Hall. Our website, , includes the reporting options and more information about our policies and procedures.

Q: What is the difference between the formal and informal resolution processes?

A: Although the procedures may differ depending on the nature of the allegations, in general the formal resolution process typically involves an investigation into the factual circumstances of an allegation, and a finding or determination of whether the person accused is responsible for violating University policy or not.

Informal resolution on the other hand attempts to remedy a situation to the satisfaction of all parties without an investigation. Typically, it’s facilitated by someone from my office. Depending on the nature of the behavior, it could include a sit-down conversation, in which someone is seeking to have the behavior end.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of letting somebody know “Hey, this has occurred, and it has made this person uncomfortable.” So, for some informal resolutions, depending on what’s reported, it doesn’t even have to have a name attached to it. We can tell a staff or faculty member, “This was reported to us. The person does not want to file a complaint, but they want you to be aware that they were offended by this remark or this action.”

During the conversations, those involved may also be supported by an advisor of their choice, who is not a witness to the circumstance.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of those processes?

A: Our overarching goal is that our team works with students, faculty and staff to foster a climate of inclusion and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all University members. These processes seek to address circumstances where a person feels that this standard was not preserved.

Q: What is a misconception about your office that people might have?

A: We sometimes hear from people that they believe our office is only here to protect the University, and sometimes they’re concerned about the perceived status of the person who they are reporting about.

Everyone reporting to our office can have confidence that their concerns will be listened to, and that they’ll be treated respectfully. Anyone accused of violating University policy should feel that we will listen to them and treat them respectfully, and our goal is to reach just results.

We will investigate, and if there is enough support that there is misconduct or behavior that doesn’t meet our standards, then the University will act.

There are all sorts of reasons why people may choose not to report or may be reluctant to report. We’re all different, and there are understandable reasons, but if our office is not aware of the incidents, we can’t act. Sometimes we receive anonymous complaints. We’ll look into them as much as we can, but anonymous complaints limit our ability to respond.

Q: What do you enjoy about the work?

A: I find satisfaction in providing fair process to both parties. So if a person reports a complaint to our office, they are heard, their allegation is investigated and there’s a process there to reach a resolution. For the accused, we are here to ensure that we are providing a thorough, careful process with an appropriate, just conclusion and that can mean that the evidence does not support a finding of responsibility.

Gina Kelepurovski

In her role with the University’s (EOIRS), Gina Kelepurovski is often the first person to reach out to students who have been impacted by sexual misconduct or relationship violence once a report is received by her office.

Kelepurovski, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX case coordinator, listens to students and provides them with information on resources, supportive measures and reporting options to let them decide whatever path is right for them.

“Our process is very student driven, so if a student doesn’t want to take any action, that’s fine too,” Kelepurovski L’01 says. “I’m here to listen; I tell them, ‘Let me connect you to resources. Let me tell you about the people on campus who are here to help.’”

EOIRS and other such campus as the Barnes Center at The Arch, Department of Public Safety (DPS) and case managers in Student Outreach and Retention, and off-campus resource Vera House, are all available to students seeking help.

In her conversations with students, one of the most important messages Kelepurovski hopes to convey to a student is that the University cares for them.

“We work in this office because we care about students,” says Kelepurovski, who graduated from the College of Law and is a labor and employment attorney.

In this Q&A, Kelepurovski discusses what students who have been impacted by sexual misconduct or relationship violence can expect if they’d like to share their situation with the University.

Q: How do students contact your office if they have been impacted by sexual misconduct or relationship violence?

A: There’s a through our website that they can fill out and it goes automatically to our office. They can also contact us by phone at 315.443.4018 or through the Title IX email.

There are also a couple of different forms, on the DPS and Stop Bias websites, where information can be filled out, and the information is forwarded to us. Other offices also refer students to us. There is also contact information available on the .

Sometimes a student may tell a professor or a staff member and, with the University’s “responsible employee” policy, any employee that becomes aware of an incident having to do with Title IX has to tell our office, unless the employee is a confidential resource, such as with the counselors or medical staff at the Barnes Center or a Hendricks Chapel chaplain.

Q: What are the first steps once a student reaches out to your office?

A: Once I learn of the student’s name, I reach out to the student by email letting them know that I’d like to speak with them, and I include information about their rights and the resources available to them. We can talk by phone or meet by Zoom or in person at the EOIRS offices in Steele Hall.

I ask them if they can share what has happened to them, and I tell them all of the that are available to them on campus, such as referring them to the case managers in Student Outreach and Retention, who can help with academic accommodations if the student is struggling academically or has missed classes due to their situation. I also tell them about the resources available to them through our office, such as a no-contact order, their protection under the University’s no-retaliation policy and the complaint process available to them if they want to pursue a formal complaint.

Q: Can a reporting student come in with a friend?

A: Students can absolutely have someone with them in all our meetings. It could be a friend, a case manager from Student Outreach and Retention, a parent or whomever they choose.

Q: Can a student contact your office anonymously?

A: Yes, students can contact our office anonymously and we can help connect them to resources. However, anonymous reporting can make it more difficult for the University to address the reported behavior if that’s a path a student wants.

Sometimes students don’t give their name and that’s OK, but they might want to know about resources. I can talk to a student by phone to make sure they at least know the support resources available to them on campus. I try my best to be as empathetic and supportive as I can.

I do take the information from a student’s situation, and it goes into our case management system, so that we have the information documented and can track it.

Although the University will always attempt to honor the wishes of a reporting student in terms of what process occurs, there are certain reports that might require the University to move forward with a formal complaint even if a student does not file a formal complaint. The Title IX coordinator weighs multiple factors listed in the policy to determine whether the institution must proceed even without the participation of the reporting or impacted student. This is rare, but does occur, for example, where the facts suggest there is an ongoing threat to the campus community.

Q: If a student doesn’t share anything in your initial meeting, can they come back to discuss what happened and move forward?

A: Absolutely, I always tell students “If you have questions, if you have more to talk about or if you think that I didn’t hear everything, contact me and I will be happy to meet with you as many times as you need to talk about process.”

We want to give students agency to move forward at their own pace when they are ready.

Q: Can supportive measures, such as a no-contact order, only happen if students go through the complaint process?

A: The supportive measures are available to students whether or not they engage in any complaint process at all. Sometimes they may just want personal or academic support working with case managers in Student Outreach and Retention, or safety planning through DPS.

There are things that we can do, but we can’t help them if we don’t know that something has happened.

Q: What sort of legal aid do students have access to?

A: If a student is going through the formal process with our office and they don’t have legal support for a scheduled hearing, a legal advisor is provided to them by the University at no cost to the student. Vera House can also provide students with information about options for legal support.

Q: What are some misconceptions that students might have about your office and the process?

A: The first is that I think a lot of students don’t know what our office is and that it’s here for them. A lot of them tell me, “I’m so glad you reached out. I didn’t know about the office.”

Also, they may not know there are options for taking action, including whether or not to file a complaint.

And many students think, “Well, if I report it, nothing is going to happen.” If a student does want to file a formal complaint through our office, there is an investigation. The investigator talks to everyone involved and gathers all the evidence, and then we bring it to Community Standards. Community Standards determines whether disciplinary action is appropriate.

Q: What is the most important thing that you want students to take away from your first outreach?

A: I want them to know that we want their experience at ���ϲ����� to be the very best experience that they have in their life. We want them to feel like it’s home, and when these things happen and they don’t feel safe on campus, we want them to know there are resources and people on campus who are there for them and can help them feel safe.

Q: Is there anything else you might want to share about your meetings that students might find helpful?

A: I want students to know there’s nothing to be nervous about coming here to meet with me. There is nothing that a student can tell me that’s going to upset me or shock me. Just come in. We’ll have a conversation, and I’ll help you in any way I can.

For , students can contact the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at the Barnes Center, available 24/7 by calling 315.443.8000, or Vera House at 315.468.3260.

The Intercultural Collective took part in an office decorating contest to raise awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

University units and departments showed their support in purple in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

The Barnes Center at The Arch sponsored the “SU Goes Purple” decorating contest, in which offices were invited to decorate their workspaces purple to help raise awareness and show support for survivors and those impacted by interpersonal violence.

The winners of the contest were the following:

• Best Decorated: Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
• Most Creative Decorations: Hendricks Chapel
• Most Purple Space: Student Centers and Programming Services
• Most Interactive Space: Intercultural Collective
• Most Eye Catching: Student Living on South Campus

The Clothesline Project provides the campus with an opportunity to explore displays of T-shirts decorated by those impacted by interpersonal violence.

Another effort during the awareness month was The Clothesline Project, which provides the campus with an opportunity to explore displays of T-shirts decorated by those impacted by interpersonal violence.

The annual project is held to increase awareness of the impact of violence and abuse, to honor a survivor’s strength to continue and to provide another avenue for them to courageously break the silence that often surrounds their experience.

The University also announced in October the creation of the as part of continual efforts to increase education and to provide prevention, reporting and services information in a centralized place. It represents the vast network of teams across campus working to prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence, including the Barnes Center at The Arch; Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (including Title IX); Department of Public Safety; Community Standards; and Dean of Students, among many others, as well as off-campus resources such as Vera House.

Campus community members are encouraged to visit the for more information, to about sexual and relationship violence, and for additional opportunities to support interpersonal violence prevention and education.

Below are some of the photos of the offices and departments that took part in the awareness effort.

Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

Student Centers and Programming Services

Student Living

Community Standards

Department of Public Safety

Hendricks Chapel

Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

Barnes Counseling

Dean of Students

Intercultural Collective

Dean of Students

Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

As we enter National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to take this opportunity to remind our returning students about and introduce our new students to the resources and support services available to assist individuals impacted by sexual and relationship violence.

In the (Equal Opportunity and Title IX), we work with students, faculty and staff to cultivate a culture of respect, safety and equity. Please understand that you are not alone if you or someone you know is ever impacted by sexual or relationship violence. University and local resources are available to assist you with seeking immediate self-care, connecting to support resources and understanding the reporting process and options:

Seeking Immediate Self-Care

Support is always available—day and night.

• Seek medical attention.
  • 911 (emergency medical attention)
  • Barnes Center Health Care, 315.443.8000 (non-emergency medical attention)
• Talk to someone confidentially.
  • 24/7 at the Barnes Center at The Arch, 315.443.8000
  • Hendricks Chapel chaplains, 315.443.2901
  • Vera House, 315.468.3260

Connecting to Support Resources to Help You Feel Safe

The Equal Opportunity and Title IX team, which can be reached at 315.443.4018, can connect you with free support and resources and take supportive steps, while you decide what pathway is right for you. These include the following:

• safety planning
• student support through Dean of Students office
• modification to work or class schedules
• work or housing relocations
• counseling ()
• University Orders (no-contact order/no-trespass order) to restrict or minimize interactions between individuals

Understanding the Reporting Options Available to You

Everyone impacted by sexual and relationship violence has complete control when determining what reporting avenue is right for them. The two most common reporting options are:

• Filing a complaint with ���ϲ�����,
  • contact the Title IX coordinator at 315.443.0211 or titleix@syr.edu, or
  • contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.
• Filing a police report,
  • call 911 or call ���ϲ����� Police at 315.435.3016, or
  • call state police at 1.844.845.7269.

The Equal Opportunity and Title IX team is available to provide guidance and direct you to resources—we will not pressure any survivor to follow a certain path.

As a caring community, we thrive together when we support each other and show our concern. I encourage any individual who witnesses an incident of sexual or relationship violence to report it. We are all responsible for creating a safe, respectful community free of interpersonal violence.

For further information, visit the recently launched , which brings together the University’s combined efforts in prevention, support and educational resources.

In addition to resources for those impacted by sexual and relationship violence, I also want to remind you that there are many ways to educate yourself, show support to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, and get involved in combating sexual and interpersonal violence on our campus:

• Participate in the Barnes Center’s , which offers workshops centered on different aspects of health and wellness. Topics covered include bystander intervention, consent and healthy relationships.
• Join groups such as the (PEERHS) with the Barnes Center to support outreach initiatives that promote a healthy community.
• Take part in the offered by Equal Opportunity and Title IX to educate our community on topics related to Title IX, harassment and discrimination.

Sincerely,

Sheila Johnson-Willis
Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer

“Help is always available, and it’s not a situation you have to navigate by yourself,” Johnson-Willis says.

Sheila Johnson-Willis

Many support options and resources are available on campus for students, to ensure that they are able to take care of their immediate well-being, as well as provide them with reporting options.

Johnson-Willis’ office, the (EOIRS), offers students a way to report an incident, and its staff members also help guide students to other resources and assist with measures to ensure students’ well-being as they continue their academics. EOIRS also works with faculty and staff impacted by incidents of discrimination and harassment.

“Students often think if they report, all these things have to happen or they have to report in order to get support—but this is not the case,” Johnson-Willis says. “Regardless of whether students want to proceed criminally or through an administrative process, there are support options available.”

In this Q&A, Johnson-Willis explains more about her role and the work of her office, how it assists students and how students can seek help.

Q: What is your role as Title IX officer?

A: As Title IX officer [also referred to as Title IX coordinator], my primary role is ensuring that we’re creating a safe and welcoming space for all of our community members—students, faculty and staff, as well as guests. In that role, I respond to complaints of discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault and relationship violence, and I oversee the processes we have to address inappropriate conduct.

The Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services ensures that those who are impacted receive desired and available supports on or off campus, and that the University provides a prompt response. We create a pathway to deter future behavior of a similar nature.

As an impartial unit, our team is tasked with fact gathering to try to understand what occurred so the University can take appropriate next steps to address conduct or issues.

We investigate complaints of discrimination (including sexual and relationship violence) with compassion, issue investigative reports and provide that information to appropriate decisionmakers. With students, those decisionmakers would be the hearing officers in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. For faculty, it would be the associate provost’s office, and, for staff members, it’s the business partners within the Office of Human Resources.

We also make community members aware of the policies and procedures that we have in place to address these kinds of incidents.

Q: How does EOIRS assist students who have been impacted by sexual or relationship violence?

A: Our office is primarily responsible for helping students understand their rights and options through the University’s Title IX processes, and we investigate all formal complaints lodged by the parties or the University on a student’s behalf. We also assist students affected by sexual and relationship violence by connecting them with the appropriate resources on or off campus. In doing this, we work very closely with the and the at the Barnes Center at The Arch.

We also assist students by taking measures to further assist or protect them. As the Title IX Coordinator, I can request on their behalf that certain actions be taken by the institution, such as assisting with a housing relocation or a no contact order, which will prevent the other party from having any intentional direct or indirect contact with them. I also connect them with the Dean of Students Office if there is some sort of academic accommodation that needs to take place.

We allow the student to drive the process, that means making sure they are connected with other campus offices and ensuring that their academic experience isn’t more greatly impacted by the incident. We provide them the support and whatever is necessary to assist them in remaining on campus and feeling safe. Our office is also responsible for conducting training and awareness opportunities, in concert with other offices, to reduce, limit and prevent incidents from occurring on our campus.

Q: How is your office different from other resources on campus?

A: Our office differs from other offices on campus because of our responsibility to assist in ensuring that the environment is a safe and welcoming place, while also determining if there is additional action that the institution needs to take. That differs from such resources as the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team and health care providers at the Barnes Center at The Arch that are confidential and privileged support options.

Other offices deal with students (and all members of our community) on more of an individual level. In my role as the Title IX officer, it’s more of a balancing act because there is an overarching responsibility for our community holistically, along with the individual, with any decision or action we take.

Q: What would you say to a student who has experienced sexual violence but is uncertain what to do or confused by the options?

A: I would encourage a student in that situation to seek support through the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team. By connecting with those individuals, students can ask questions, become familiar with the role of the Title IX officer and their rights, and understand the various options they can elect to pursue.

By first connecting with those resources, there is a level of education and support that’s offered. Students need to know that they do not have to navigate this complicated and traumatic experience alone. There are a number of people who can help.

Even through my office, we are trying to answer those questions so students can make the most informed decision about what would be best for them right now or after some time has passed as they go through the healing process.

Q: What is the most important thing you want students to know when they reach out for support from your office?

A: The most important thing for students to know is that their health and well-being is a priority for us. We want to support them and their academic endeavors and to make sure their environment is safe and harassment free. By reaching out to us, our goal is to provide the necessary information so that they can make an informed decision and identify what will work best for them, in that moment, and be a liaison between any University resources and supports that they may need.

There are many things we can do even if a student decides they don’t want to do a formal process. We want people to seek out the help.

By educating our entire community, we hope to inform those who are impacted, as well as those who are supporting those who have been impacted, so they will share the information with their friend.

If you have been impacted by sexual or relationship violence, find the full range of resources and supports listed on the .

Students can find out more information about the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services on and .

The decision was made after a legacy conduct system policy was brought to the attention of university leaders at Wednesday night’s Campus Conversation at Hendricks Chapel. The event was held to further conversation critical to the ongoing work to create a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible University community.

At the event, a student questioned why sexual assault victims and survivors had to pay a transcript fee. Chancellor Kent Syverud, who was in the audience, denounced the policy, and Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Andrew Gordon said that monies would be made available immediately.

“Once it became apparent that this set of fees was a burden to students, we took immediate action,” Gordon says. “As we committed to last night and effective this morning, if any student asks for a transcript, the University will have it transcribed for them and students will not have to pay for the transcripts.”

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions of higher education take immediate and effective steps to end sexual harassment and sexual violence on campus.

Along with reporting incidents of sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment or stalking to law enforcement, students have the right to report the incident to the University and the Title IX office. Title IX conducts an investigation, and formal resolution of cases is conducted though the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

If the matter goes before the University Conduct Board, the proceedings are taped and, in the past, if students—whether the complainant or respondent—wanted a copy of the transcript, they had to request a copy from the University. The cost of the transcript was passed on to the student who requested it. The University doesn’t usually have it transcribed unless a student requests a transcript.

Students impacted by sexual and relationship violence can contact the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at 315.443.4715 for 24/7 confidential support, advocacy and to discuss reporting options.

Reporting to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer, the associate vice president will lead the Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Resolution Office and be responsible for aligning all its functions, including training and investigation of equal opportunity claims, affirmative action planning, and disability rights guidance and investigations.

“This important leadership role will play a critical role in promoting the core values of the University,” says Gordon. “This position will champion the University’s collective goals as reflected in the Academic Strategic Plan to sustain and create a richly diverse and inclusive campus that will support our students and the entire University community.”

The associate vice president will also provide the University community with direction and counsel on establishing processes and procedures in areas of equal opportunity and matters under Title IX of the United States Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) and related state and local laws. As Title IX coordinator, the individual will ensure that the University is establishing best practices for compliance with federal, state and local laws concerning the prevention and investigation of sexual assaults at the University.

The search committee is co-chaired by Dawn Johnson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Higher Education, , and Jake Tanksley, senior human resource business partner, Office of Human Resources.

The search committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff, includes:

• Sanjay Chhablani, Laura J. & L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence; professor, ; professor, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute,
• Katelyn Cowen, director, Office of Health Promotions
• Angie Pati ’18, College of Arts and Sciences
• Abby Perer, associate general counsel, Office of University Counsel
• Elizabeth Sedore ’18, College of Arts and Sciences

The committee, which is being supported in its efforts by members of the Office of Human Resources, is expected to provide finalist recommendations after completing the interview process.