ALBANY, N.Y. (May 16, 2007) -- The University at Albany's Sexual Assault Task Force released its final report and recommendations to the University community, which include establishing a Sexual Assault Resource Center. The Center's director, which will reside in the University Counseling Center, will coordinate and sustain programming, services, and other activities for education, prevention and response to campus-related sexual assaults.
"We hope these recommendations will help protect members of the University community from the devastating effects of sexual assault and work toward our overarching goal of making this University a place of learning, healthy relationships, and respect," said Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst.
The Task Force on Sexual Assault -- convened by Herbst last fall -- was led by James A. Anderson, vice president for Student Success, and Katharine Briar-Lawson, dean of the School of Social Welfare, and included students, faculty and staff from throughout the University and members of the Albany community.
"The report encompasses the expertise and perspectives of a range of campus groups who are committed to developing and sustaining a secure campus environment," said Anderson. "It is the University at Albany's public affirmation of its responsibility and accountability to minimize any threat associated with sexual assault and to educate all members of our campus community."
Other recommendations include:
- Creating a standing committee on campus-related sexual assaults.
- Creating a group of peer educators whose primary focus is sexual assault prevention.
- Developing a bystander training program involving UAlbany faculty, staff and students, which would be mandated for first-year and transfer students and involve coaches, athletes and members of fraternities, sororities and other student organizations.
- Encouraging faculty who teach relevant subjects to devote instructional time to issues relating to sexual assault.
- Engaging parents around issues of healthy sexual relationships, active consent, bystander empowerment, and otherwise concerning the incidence of and prevention of sexual assault.
For more information, view the final report.
