A Message from the President – January 25, 2022
- January 25th, 2022
- in Messages from the President
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
At The University of Alabama, one of the goals of our Strategic Plan is to enrich our learning and working environment by providing an accepting, inclusive community. Each semester, I reaffirm our pledge to promote and preserve a safe, respectful campus atmosphere. We remain steadfastly committed to providing an environment that promotes prevention and the reporting of sexual misconduct. To that end, the University provides numerous resources, support and reporting options for students, employees and members of our community. I encourage each of you to review the information and links provided about these valuable services.
The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy provides detailed information about what is considered Prohibited Conduct, how to report Prohibited Conduct, available supportive measures and the University’s prevention, education and awareness efforts. Students, employees and campus 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 concerns related to sexual misconduct to any of the multiple reporting avenues.
The UAct program presents a central location for information about reporting sexual misconduct. The University of Alabama Police Department also provides a comprehensive array of law enforcement services 24/7 through a dedicated staff of sworn, state-commissioned police officers. A criminal report may be filed with the UAPD by contacting them at 205-348-5454 or by visiting their headquarters located at 1110 Jackson Ave. on the University campus.
Reports may also be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, which oversees the University’s compliance with Title IX by receiving and investigating reports of sexual misconduct. The Office also offers assistance with supportive measures such as counseling, safety planning and academic support and provides training and education programs, including programming to improve communication and conflict resolution skills. To make a report or inquire more about the services available, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Jessica Humber, at 205-348-5496 or by email at titleix@ua.edu.
In addition, the University also offers confidential reporting and counseling options. The Women and Gender Resource Center provides victim advocacy and counseling services for all members of the University community who are survivors of interpersonal violence, as well as family and friends impacted by abuse. The WGRC can be reached at 205-348-5040. On-call advocates are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention and support. The on-call advocate can be reached after hours by contacting the UAPD.
Additional confidential counseling services include the Counseling Center, which provides counseling and outreach programming for students, and the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic, which provides psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families affiliated with The University of Alabama and surrounding community. The Employee Assistance Program provides eligible employees and their family members with resources for resolving a variety of work-related and personal concerns. The Tuscaloosa SAFE Center, a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, also provides a free, compassionate, patient-centered environment for sexual assault examinations.
All of these valuable services are summarized on the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Services website. We have a shared responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety and respect. I encourage you to partner with us in our ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.
Stuart R. Bell
President