October 23, 2017
Dear Students,
Before arriving on campus, each of you completed the program “Think About It”, which introduced you to information about sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. We would like to remind you about these important topics as the semester progresses.
1. Sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment based on any protected characteristic (see a list here) are not tolerated on our campus. They are a violation of the student code of conduct and in many cases California law. USC is committed to investigating and holding individuals who commit these acts responsible.
2. Every Trojan has a responsibility to help prevent sexual, interpersonal, and protected class misconduct. There are many ways you can be an active bystander. If you know someone is at risk, consider it an emergency and get involved. Don’t wait for someone else to act.
Tips to Intervene:
i. Create a distraction Do what you can to interrupt the situation. A distraction can give the person at risk a chance to get to a safe place.
ii. Ask directly Talk directly to the person who might be in trouble.
iii. Enlist others Enlist another person to support you.
iv. Refer to an authority Sometimes the safest way to intervene is to refer to someone with authority to change the situation, like a resident assistant, department of public safety, or by calling 911.
3. Confidential support and counseling is available for survivors and others impacted by sexual, interpersonal, and protected class misconduct. If you or someone you know needs assistance contact the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services or USC Student Counseling, located in Engemann Student Health Center (UPC) and Eric Cohen Student Health Center (HSC).
4. You have the right to choose to report, either fully or anonymously. Information about your rights and reporting options are available at https://titleix.usc.edu/reporting-options/
5. Students under investigation have equitable resources and support. Visit https://titleix.usc.edu/i-am-or-think-i-am-under-investigation/ for more information.
6. Students reporting misconduct can meet with the Title IX Coordinator to request supportive measures (such as an Avoidance of Contact directive, academic, and housing accommodations) even if they do not wish to participate in an investigation. For more information, visit https://titleix.usc.edu/something-happened-to-me/.
Sincerely,
Ainsley Carry, Ed.D., MBA, Vice President for Student Affairs
Gretchen Dahlinger Means, J.D., Executive Director, Title IX Coordinator