A Message from the President – February 20, 2024
- February 20th, 2024
- in Messages from the President
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
At The University of Alabama, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members. Each semester, I reaffirm our commitment to fostering a secure and respectful campus environment. We actively promote the prevention and reporting of sexual misconduct, offering a range of resources, support and reporting avenues for students, employees and community members. I urge each of you to review the information and links below to stay informed about these invaluable services.
The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines prohibited conduct, how to report prohibited conduct, reporting procedures, supportive measures and the University’s prevention initiatives. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual or gender-based discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other sexual misconduct-related concerns to law enforcement or University officials.
The University of Alabama Police Department offers 24/7 law enforcement services with a dedicated team of sworn, state-commissioned officers. To file a criminal report, contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 or visit their campus headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave.
Reports can be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs at 2418 Capital Hall. The office manages Title IX compliance, investigating sexual misconduct reports and addressing retaliation. It connects individuals with supportive measures like counseling and safety planning, offering training on policies, reporting, prevention, bystander intervention and conflict resolution. Tal Lieber, director of Informal Resolution Services, oversees the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process which assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve a report. For inquiries or to make a report, contact the Title IX coordinator, Jessica Humber, at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.
The University offers confidential reporting and counseling through the Women and Gender Resource Center. The WGRC provides free victim advocacy, counseling and on-call support for survivors of interpersonal violence and their families. To schedule appointments, call 205-348-5040. On-call advocates are available 24/7, reachable after hours through UAPD at 205-348-5454. The WGRC also conducts programs and training, including events like Take Back the Night on April 2 and Survivors Bloom from Within on April 10, focusing on University and community resources for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Additional confidential counseling services are offered through the Counseling Center for students; the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for individuals, couples and families; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center, a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, provides free and compassionate sexual assault forensic examinations. Visit the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Services and Support website for a summary of these crucial resources.
We all share the responsibility to foster a culture of safety and respect. Thank you for taking the time to explore University and community resources. I encourage each of you to personally commit to partnering with us in the continuous effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.
Stuart R. Bell
President