The topic of sexual assaults on college campuses has been grabbing headlines recently.
In September, the news was dominated by stories about “the Cornell 7”— seven fraternity members at Cornell University who are accused of drugging and gang raping a female student. Then, just a few weeks ago, two different Wichita State University students were arrested in connection with rape accusations, though both have since been released.
The stories may cause Newman University students to question what resources are available to them if they experience sexual assault or misconduct on campus.
Megan Chambers, Newman’s new dean of students, is also the university’s Title IX coordinator. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that received federal financial assistance.
Newman’s website says that the school has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to all forms of gender and sex-based discrimination.
“When an allegation of misconduct is brought to the university’s attention and a respondent is found to have violated this policy, the university will take prompt corrective action and impose serious sanctions to reasonably ensure that such actions are never repeated,” the website reads.
Part of her job, Chambers said, is ensuring that students understand the resources available to them and investigating any allegation that is brought to her attention.
“In the time that I’ve been here, I’ve experienced times where someone may question, ‘Is this Title IX is it not?’” Chambers said. “If you ever question whether something is, report it. I will figure out if it is and where we go from there.”
Chambers can be contacted at titleIX@newmanu.edu or 316-942-4291, extension 2453. Her office is located in Dugan Library, room 128.
Students also can talk to any trusted faculty or staff member about sexual assault, but they are all mandated reporters, meaning they are required to report in writing disclosures of sexual assault to the Title IX office.
Students who want to speak to someone in confidence have two choices: They can contact Father Ed Herzog or Geri Tyrell, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Father Ed can be contacted at herzoge@newmanu.edu or 316-374-5499. Extensions 2223. Tyrell can be contacted at tyrellg@newmanu.edu or 316-374-5499, extension 2175.
“If someone experiences any form of sexual assault, the first step is to report it to somebody,” Chambers, said
Chambers emphasized the importance of students taking steps to look out for their own safety.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, and be very mindful of who you are surrounding yourself with,” Chambers said.
Newman is putting on a meeting about dating violence and sexual assault at 8 p.m. Thursday in the DeMattias Performance Hall. The meeting is open to all students.
“It is important to be educated on what to look for if anything should feel or look wrong.” Chambers said.
Those who want to read more about Newman’s policies regarding sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking can visit the Title IX page on Newman’s website: newmanu.edu/administration/student-affairs/title-ix
That’s also where students can find a complaint to submit a formal complaint.
Photo: AJ Bonilla/ Illustration
