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SEXUAL VIOLENCE AT MSU

Sexual violence impacts all aspects of MSU’s community, and as faculty and staff members it is important that you are equipped with the knowledge and resources to best support your students when they may need it the most.  At MSU, we aim to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault on campus by creating a community intolerant of sexual violence.  The MSU VOICE Center has created a Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Guide which provides a variety of strategies and resources from which you can pick and choose to best support your students and their success. Here are a few quick ideas and tips to help support your students during this difficult time:

 

HOW TO INCORPORATE SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION IN CLASS

Syllabus Language

Please consider adding the following language to your syllabus and reviewing it with students on the first day of class:

“Students at Montana State University have the right to live and learn in an academic environment that is free from all forms of discrimination including sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.  If you (or someone you know) has experienced or is experiencing these types of behaviors, please know that you are not alone.  Resources and support are available at MSU.  You can learn more at: www.montana.edu/voice.  MSU has confidential resources available to you through the VOICE Center, MSU Counseling and Psychological Services, and Student Health Partners Health Services.  These services are available to provide support, resources, and referrals to numerous campus and community agencies that can provide the information and support you need.

Please know that if you choose to confide in me, I am required by the university to report to the Title IX Coordinator/MSU Office of Institutional Equity, as MSU and I want to ensure you are connected with all the support the university can offer.  You are not required to respond to outreach from the university if you do not want to do so.  You can also make a report yourself at montana.edu/equity or an anonymous report by emailing [email protected]”

 

Info Cards/Handouts

After reading through the syllabus language, please consider distributing VOICE Center magnets and information cards containing information about sex, consent, healthy relationships, campus and community support services for survivors.  Remind students that confidential support is available to them should they (or a friend) need it.

To request information cards, magnets, stickers, buttons, or other educational materials, please visit (insert link)

 

Don't Cancel that Class or Meeting

If a scheduling conflict arises, instead of cancelling class or a meeting, consider requesting a workshop by the MSU VOICE Center. 

The MSU VOICE Center has created a series of short videos (5 minutes) and longer presentations (up to 2 hours) to meet the needs of your class and help MSU build a culture of respect.  For a complete list of workshop topics, videos, and to request an in-class or virtual presentation, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/DCTCvoice

 

Field-Specific Curriculum Infusion

Sexual violence impacts every field, profession, and industry. You can encourage students to think critically bout sexual violence, discrimination, harassment, and bias through the lens of their unique field of study.  It is crucial for our students to understand that the impact of sexual violence extends far beyond the victim’s experience to friends, families, and the larger community.  Please refer to {insert link} for a list of suggested prompts, reading, and resources for your specific field of study.

 

Red Zone: #ReclaimTheRED

Sexual violence should never impede a student’s success or shatter their college experience.  Unfortunately, national trends indicate that first-year students are among the most vulnerable student population who experience sexual assault while in college, particularly during the first six weeks on campus, which is commonly referred to as “The Red Zone.”

 

Whether you have a class of incoming freshman, or a class of seniors, there are strategies for infusing sexual violence prevention into your class.  MSU is launching a #ReclaimTheRed Campaign this Fall.  We invite you to incorporate #ReclaimTheRed into your course as you see fit.