A Message from the President – August 31, 2023
- August 31st, 2023
- in Messages from the President
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Because we value the safety and well-being of every member of The University of Alabama community, each semester I affirm the University’s pledge to promote and preserve a secure, respectful campus environment. We are committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct on campus and providing numerous resources, support and reporting options for the UA community. Please review the information and links presented on these valuable services.
The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy details information about prohibited conduct, reporting options, available supportive measures and the University’s prevention, education and awareness efforts. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment or discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other concerns related to sexual misconduct to any of multiple reporting avenues as described below.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, at 2418 Capital Hall, is charged with receiving and investigating reports of prohibited conduct. Collaborating with administration, departments, faculty and staff, they also provide students and employees comprehensive supportive measures such as academic support, safety planning, counseling information and referrals to University departments. Another resource provided through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process where Tal Lieber, Director of Informal Resolution Services, assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve the allegations in a Formal Complaint. For more information or to report sexual misconduct, contact Title IX Coordinator Jessica Humber at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.
UAct is a central location for information about reporting sexual misconduct. The University prohibits retaliation against those who report or participate in reporting harassment, discrimination and/or sexual misconduct. In an emergency and to report criminal matters, The University of Alabama Police Department provides a comprehensive array of law enforcement services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through a dedicated staff of sworn police officers. Call UAPD at 205-348-5454 to file a criminal report, or visit their headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave. Please also note that in an on-campus emergency, blue emergency phones are a direct line to UAPD.
The University provides confidential reporting and counseling options. The Women and Gender Resource Center can be reached at 205-348-5040 for victim advocacy and counseling services for all University community members who are interpersonal violence survivors, as well as family and friends impacted by the abuse. Advocates are on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention and support. After hours, reach the on-call advocate through UAPD at 205-348-5454.
Additional confidential counseling services include the Counseling Center for counseling and outreach programming for students; Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families of The University of Alabama and surrounding community; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families to resolve work-related and personal concerns. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center is a 24/7 free, compassionate, patient-centered sexual assault crisis center.
The Department of Education is expected to release new Title IX regulations at some point during the fall semester. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is anticipating the new regulations and will update the University’s policies and procedures to remain in compliance with the Regulations as necessary. The University will provide you with updates to policies and procedures as they become available.
We share responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety and respect. I encourage you to personally commit to partnering with us in an ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.
Stuart R. Bell
President