Sexual Misconduct -- Continuing Our Conversation

The following is an email from our Dean of Students to the Student body. It is being posted here so that Alumna can feel included in what is currently going on on our campus right now. The email was sent on January 31st.

Dear Students,

This week, we started an important community-wide conversation regarding our collective responsibility to address sexual misconduct. In the forum, I heard students asking the college for better support for survivors, more education in the community and improved communication regarding policies. In DOS, we have been working to address what we feel are the immediate needs of our students. I hope you are continuing to discuss the ways in which you can also create positive change.

Below are resources and opportunities we want to offer immediately:

1.       Attached to this email, please find a list of support options for students who have experienced sexual assault or other forms of sexual misconduct. This includes information about on and off-campus resources, as well as answers to important FAQs.
2.       DOS will sponsor a Resource Panel on February 13th at 7PM in the Alice Ashley Jack Room in Smith Hall. Representatives from SARP (Sexual Assault Response Program) and the Lynchburg Police will join staff from the Counseling Center, Security, Residence Life and the Dean of Students office. Panelists will share information about the services they offer and will answer your questions. 
3.       If you would like to participate in a focus group to review a draft of the student sexual misconduct policy, please email me no later than February 5th at noon. Abigail Smith, Tyler Gilchrist and I will be working with the focus group and will be in touch with those students who wish to contribute. 
4.       We are in the process of establishing RAD (Rape Aggression Defense System) classes for Randolph students. RAD is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. It is a comprehensive self-defense course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defensive training. If you have questions or would like to participate, contact Kris Irwin, Director of Safety and Security, at kirwin@randolphcollege.edu or Sydney Henson, Head Resident, at schenson@randolphcollege.edu.
5.       We will continue to host Open Office Hours in DOS. On February 14th, from 10-noon, I will be available to meet with students who have questions or would like to offer suggestions. An appointment is not necessary.  If you would like to meet with me but this time does not work with your schedule, please contact Lauren Grimmett at lgrimmett@randolphcollege.edu to schedule an appointment.

I look forward to continuing this important work together.

My best,

Matha

Matha Thornton, PhD

Vice President for Student Affairs &
Dean of Students

Office: (434) 947-8119