Dear UVM Community,
We are writing regarding student concerns about the sexual misconduct reporting process and support services. We hear you, and we recognize that giving voice to incidents of sexual misconduct is difficult. We commend those who have stood up and shared their stories.
To be absolutely clear, the University of Vermont does not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual assault, relationship violence, gender-based stalking, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment, and is committed to responding in a holistic manner when such incidents are disclosed. We respect the rights of both parties to be fully and fairly heard, and to be supported as campus community members without pre-judgment.
We recognize the importance of listening to and addressing community concerns. As the University’s Title IX Coordinator and as the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, we are implementing immediately:
- Formal recognition of the current AAEO Student Advisory Committee, which was started earlier this academic year as a partnership between AAEO and interested members of the student body. This Committee is chaired by the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Intake and Outreach. Its purpose is to gather the student perspective relating to sexual harassment and misconduct process and prevention efforts, and to apply the feedback received to create meaningful change. This Committee has already provided valuable perspectives, many of which are reflected in the actions outlined here.
- Establishing a summer study committee led by the 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’ first year.
- A broad assessment of the scope and efficiency of support and advocacy services available to UVM community members, with a focus on confidential advocacy and the needs of a diverse community.
- Enhancement of the required annual training on trauma-informed practices for UVM investigators and others involved in the sexual misconduct resolution process, and regular monitoring of response timelines.
- Annual training on trauma-informed support for confidential support staff at UVM.
- A more formal avenue for parties to provide constructive feedback after completion of a UVM sexual misconduct resolution process. Feedback gathered from parties will be reviewed by the UVM Institutional Interest Committee (IIC), which serves in a case management function for all reports of sexual misconduct, and is comprised of representatives from the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Student Conduct, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, and UVM Police Services to inform continued improvement.
- Comprehensive review of current communications, policies and procedures to ensure all members of the campus community are made aware of the resources, supports, and reporting options available to them in a proactive manner.
A variety of support and reporting options are available to those impacted by sexual misconduct, including confidential counseling, advocacy, support measures, campus-based reporting and resolution, and criminal reporting and resolution. Information about the range of support services and reporting options for sexual misconduct and harassment is available here. UVM strongly encourages anyone with concerns about sexual harassment or misconduct to make a report to AAEO or UVM Police Services.
Sincerely,
Nick Stanton, Title IX Coordinator, and
Erica Caloiero, Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs