A Message from the President – October 8, 2024
- October 8th, 2024
- in Messages from the President
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
At the University of Alabama, we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our community. Each semester I reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment while actively preventing and addressing sexual misconduct. The University provides numerous resources, support and reporting options for students and employees. Please review the information and links below to stay informed about these valuable services.
The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines prohibited conduct, reporting procedures, supportive measures, and the University’s prevention and education efforts. The policy was recently updated, and I encourage you to review it on the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs website.
As of August, all non-confidential UA employees, graduate students with assistantships, and campus housing resident advisors are required to report known or suspected prohibited conduct. Additionally, all students are encouraged to report related concerns through any available reporting avenues.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs at 2418 Capital Hall is charged with receiving and investigating reports of prohibited conduct. The team there works with administration, departments, faculty and staff to provide comprehensive supportive measures for students and employees, including academic assistance, safety planning, counseling and campus referrals. They also offer an Alternative Dispute Resolution Process to help reach mutually acceptable agreements related to allegations. For more information or to report any type of sexual misconduct, please contact our Title IX Coordinator, Jessica Humber, at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.
In an emergency or to report criminal matters, the University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD) provides law enforcement services 24/7 through sworn, state-commissioned officers. You can file a criminal report by calling 205-348-5454 or visiting UAPD headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave or the West Precinct located on the Strip at 1209 University Blvd. Bright blue emergency phones on campus offer a direct line to UAPD.
Confidential reporting and counseling options are summarized on the Title IX website. The Women and Gender Resource Center (WGRC) provides victim advocacy and counseling services for survivors of interpersonal violence and their families. You can reach the WGRC at 205-348-5040. On-call advocates for crisis intervention and support are available 24/7. After hours, contact UAPD at 205-348-5454.
Additional confidential counseling services include the Counseling Center, with counseling and outreach for students, and the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic, providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. The Employee Assistance Program supports eligible employees and families with resources for various work-related and personal concerns. And the Tuscaloosa Safe Center serves as a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, offering free, compassionate, patient-centered sexual assault forensic exams.
We all share the responsibility to foster a culture of safety and respect. I encourage each of you to partner with us in the ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct by familiarizing yourself with these vital resources and services.
Stuart R. Bell
President