Letter to the editor: USU resources for reporting sexual misconduct

Editor’s Note: To submit a response to this column, or submit a letter to the editor on a new topic, email your submission to opinion@usustatesman.com.

At USU, we care about your safety. As you return to campus after the break and start the spring semester, I want to make sure you have the information you need in case you or a friend experience sexual misconduct. USU does not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, stalking, and domestic or dating violence. 

You have several resources to turn to at USU if you experience this kind of behavior, including confidential resources both on and off campus, as well as reporting options through USU Police, the Office of Equity, or local law enforcement (if the incident occurred off campus). 

In the Office of Equity, we know that individuals may feel vulnerable if they decide to meet with us about sexual misconduct. We work as a team to create a process that empowers those who report sexual misconduct to understand their options and receive the help they need to continue their education while navigating the Title IX process. 

When a student first reports sexual misconduct to the university, we meet with them to talk about the Title IX investigation process, disciplinary procedures, possible supportive measures that may help them in regards to academics and safety, how to access both on- and off-campus resources, and how to file a report with police. 

While some students may choose to pursue a formal investigation, others may only want supportive measures (assistance with academic accommodations, a no-contact order, help preserving eligibility for financial aid, etc.) to continue their education. 

We respect that every individual’s journey is their own and provide appropriate supportive measures to those who come to us, regardless of the path they choose, as long as our risk assessment does not reveal a larger threat to campus safety. 

You can learn more about your options and the resources available to you at sexualassault.usu.edu or you can report sexual misconduct online at equity.usu.edu.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a learning and living environment in which all community members feel respected, and those who experience sexual misconduct are supported by their Aggie family. Every person in our campus community can help us achieve that goal by being an Upstander: calling out behavior and comments that are harassing or sexist, intervening when there is potential harm to another, and referring those who experience sexual misconduct to resources so they can heal and succeed at USU.  

Hilary Renshaw, Title IX Coordinator
435-797-1266
titleix@usu.edu