Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Bernstein, Lauren (LB)" <>]

Hi Liz,

 

We try to work closely with our Office of Undergraduate Education to ensure that students who are involved in intimate partner or sexual violence situations are not placed in the same classes.  That might be a helpful partnership to secure to talk through arrangements before the semester starts, particularly if there is a suspension involved.  That way, he could have been placed in the class a little later on in his academic career so she can graduate. 

 

In the meantime, I would recommend consulting with your college office on the academic side about the consequence to the student and with the judicial process to see if there can be some added pressure to ensure the two are not both in the same class.

 

My best,

LB

 

From: McGough, Elizabeth M. [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 10:47 AM
To:
Subject: Need advice

 

Good morning everyone-

 

I need some advice on a situation a student presented to me ---

 

I’m working with a female student who was raped by a male student on campus about 3 ½ years ago.  At the time she filed campus judicial charges and he was found responsible.  The final sanction for him was 1 year suspension, 1 year probation, 30 hrs of community service (which he completed), suggested counseling, and to stay away from her.  He returned to the college after the suspension and we have not had any reports of him doing anything wrong so his probation was lifted.  She also stayed at the college.

 

We are about 4 weeks into the spring semester.  She informed us last week, we were first able to meet with her yesterday, that he is in one of her classes.  This is a required class for both students, she is graduating at the end of this semester, he is only enrolled for 12 hours and dropping the class would affect his financial aid, the class is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.  She wants him removed from the class. 

 

I am being told that we can’t just remove him from class, we were advised to see if either of the students (and the instructor) would be open to completing the requirement through an independent study.  I think the students will be reluctant to do that since it is a class in their major and they are both interested in the topic  --- I hear it’s a good class.  I have not talked to the instructor yet and don’t know how accommodating he would be under the circumstances.

 

I’ve worked with situations were both students were in the same class at the time of the rape, but never when they end up in a class together years after.  If any of you have worked with students in this situation I’d like to hear how it was handled and any other advice that you might have.

 

Thanks

-Liz

 

Liz McGough, PhD, LMHC

Project Coordinator/Case Manager

Violence Intervention & Victim Advocacy

Buffalo State

Weigel Health Center, Room 223

1300 Elmwood Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14222 

(716) 878-4029

 

 

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