September 25, 2014

Dear University Community:

Last week’s rally to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault was an important moment for our campus. I applaud all of the students, faculty, and staff members who took part, who shared their stories, and who offered their views about UD’s policies regarding sexual harassment and assault.

Speaking on behalf of University leadership, my message today is simple: We hear you, we thank you, and we invite you to continue this important conversation with us—and with each other.

Right now our community has a critical opportunity to cultivate a stronger climate of empowerment, of information sharing and understanding. The more UD policies are known and understood, the better they can be used to protect everyone. These policies and procedures exist to help guide us through what are always difficult issues.

Title IX and Other Resources

Title IX is a comprehensive civil right that protects any person from sex-based discrimination, harassment or violence. My role as Title IX Coordinator is to make sure the University is compliant with federal and state discrimination and sexual harassment laws, to oversee the institution’s response to Title IX issues, and to identify and address any patterns of systemic problems. It is also my responsibility to coordinate education and training on campus regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault. The Title IX office—located at 305 Hullihen Hall—is housed in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, which is responsible for other matters of harassment, discrimination, affirmative action, and diversity on our campus.

Whenever the University is made aware of a possible incident of sexual misconduct, it ultimately is the responsibility of the Title IX office to support the well-being of the victim and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to investigate and determine what occurred.

Working Together, Moving Forward

In cooperation with the Provost’s Office, I am currently organizing information sessions this fall to talk about the University’s initiatives, policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault:

• Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m., Trabant University Center Theatre
• Oct. 22 at 4 p.m., Trabant University Center Theatre
• Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m., Trabant University Center Theatre

These sessions will allow me to share what we are doing to protect and support every member of our community, and they will provide an opportunity for us to discuss our plans for the future.

To move forward, it’s imperative that we work together. Your safety is our top priority and I genuinely encourage all of us to keep the conversation going. We benefit by embracing this important moment and looking for more ways to listen to and support each other. Below my signature is a list of helpful resources. If you have concerns, issues or ideas you would like to share with me, please email me: titleixcoordinator@udel.edu

Sincerely,

Susan L. Groff Director, Institutional Equity Title IX Coordinator Office of Equity and Inclusion University of Delaware

In addition to the Title IX office, there are key resources available to the UD community:

• A website — http://www.udel.edu/gbv — specifically addresses gender-based violence to inform all members of the University community of the rights and resources available to victims of sexual misconduct;
• Sexual Offense Support (SOS) provides confidential, 24-hour victim advocacy, crisis care and support for victims of sexual misconduct;
• Student Health Services provides health care services to students;
• Center for Counseling & Student Development offers confidential counseling services for students; and
• Faculty & Staff Assistance Program provides confidential counseling services to University employees.

Office of Equity & Inclusion   •   Newark, DE 19716   •   USA  •   (302) 831-8063   •   www.udel.edu/oei