Working Group for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response
We are establishing this forward-looking and action-oriented working group to take a candid look at how we currently approach the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct in our campus community. The members will recommend concrete steps to strengthen our policies, education, and processes, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen the campus culture, norms, and practices that support prevention, accountability, and respect. Its work should be grounded in the experiences of our students and employees and aimed at improving safety, trust, support, and a shared sense of responsibility for preventing sexual misconduct across campus.
Working group charge
Assess where we are
- Examine current policies, reporting and response processes, support services, prevention efforts, and education related to sexual misconduct.
- Identify gaps, barriers to reporting and accessing support, inconsistencies, and areas where practice may not align with policy or expectations.
- Draw on available data and other relevant evidence such as campus climate surveys, reporting trends, participation in trainings and programs, and use of support services.
- Seek direct input from students, staff, and faculty to better understand their experiences, perceptions, and awareness of policies, practices, and resources.
Identify and develop prevention and awareness strategies
- Recommend specific steps to build a culture of awareness, accountability, and support that help prevent sexual misconduct.
- Consider approaches, training, and programming for bystander intervention, understanding consent, communication, and outreach.
Working group membership
The working group will be guided by a member of college senior leadership and include
- 6 faculty and staff members
- 2 current students
- 1 external expert in sexual misconduct prevention and response
Scope and boundaries
The working group will not review or discuss individual cases. Members will not seek or share information about specific incidents. This is an advisory group. It does not replace the work of our Title IX office or the role of Human Resources in addressing cases of sexual misconduct.
How findings and recommendations will be communicated
As part of its initial work, the working group will establish an approach for communicating its progress, findings, and recommendations. It will share information appropriately while respecting the confidentiality required by the sensitive nature of this work. The group will provide updates each block to keep the community informed about its progress and work underway.
Timeline
In October of 2026 the working group was established with a target of completing their work in spring 2027, depending on the scope of the findings of the working group.
Contact
If you have questions or suggestions for the working group, please submit our online form. We welcome and value your feedback. While the working group will not be able to respond directly to individual submissions, all comments and suggestions will be collected, reviewed, and considered.
Resources for sexual misconduct violations and questions
Report a Concern Counseling Resources Sexual Misconduct Policy RAINN Hotline