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

[Rob Buelow <>]

Thank you for raising the question, Stephanie. And to Katie's point, EverFi does provide an optional "welcome letter" template for campuses to customize in Haven. I have shared the default language below my signature, but wanted to share some thoughts on key components for schools to consider for introducing online programs or other related communications for incoming students (and employees).

I think it is key to have communication with new members of our institutions use positive framing, particularly as our research (and others') has shown that the majority of students have very healthy attitudes and behaviors. I like to encourage a focus on the values of the institution and the expectations of members of the community - ultimately reinforcing perceptions that healthy relationships are the norm and that we view students as critical parts of the solution. This also lends well to the inclusion of the required "prohibitory statement" from Clery.

The welcome letter can also be a good place to provide required contact information for your Title IX Coordinator (and/or other relevant personnel), along with a link to more campus/community resources, policies, etc. We encourage focusing less on the policies at the outset as students/employees can benefit from more educational context around the issues (i.e., setting the stage) before being forced to read often dense policy/statutory language.

We do include a brief section on completion deadlines for Haven in the welcome letter, but we encourage a lot of the technical logistics to be covered in the email students receive providing them with access information to the program. 

The welcome letter should be all about framing the issues, setting expectations, providing resources, encouraging active involvement, and making it clear that your institution cares deeply about its community and these important issues. Worth noting that Haven does include some introductory "trigger warning"-style language about the sensitivity of these issues, but this could be useful in the welcome letter if this is not part of other programs you're using.

Best,

Rob

**A message from (your school name here)**

Dear student,

(Your school name here) is committed to providing a supportive learning environment and fostering safe, healthy relationships among our students. As such, the institution and members of our community will not tolerate the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. This program is intended to help you learn more about these issues, as you play an important role in keeping our campus safe.

The deadline for completing Part 1 of this course is (Part 1 deadline here). After an intersession of (your intersession length here), you will receive an email notification to complete Part 2.

If you have any questions about school policies, procedures, or support resources related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, please contact (contact name) at (contact phone number or email).

You can also find more information here: [link title](www.enterURLhere.edu)

We hope you enjoy the course, and we wish you all the best in your time at (your school name here)!

On Mon, Jun 29, 2015 at 9:04 PM, Katie Koestner <> wrote:

Hello, All.

First of all, Haven Reps are on our listserve, so if you are paying them for their service, maybe they should provide this template for you.

 

Next, Take Back The Night Foundation is providing use of a high definition interactive online movie that meets the mandates for Title IX and Dear Colleague for a donation of $500 of which 100% will go toward research and educational efforts in high schools on sexual assault and misconduct.

The online program runs differently for each student based on how the student reports their gender identity, athlete status, Greeks, residential vs. commuter, ROTC, and most other demographics.  Here’s a clip to take a peak:

https://campusoutreachservices.egnyte.com/dl/VY74jBFFHw

https://campusoutreachservices.egnyte.com/dl/sV3ikvGf21

 

The Foundation’s goal is to make the education as close to FREE as possible for every school in the country.   The online program embeds your policy, resources, contact points, and even a POSITIVE proactive message from your own student leaders that is recorded and added to your version.  Reporting dashboard and measured outcomes are on demand and available 100% of the time.  Included at no cost:

1.      Letters and webinars for Parents

2.      PR materials and email templates

3.      Learning Outcomes

4.      Certification for Completion

5.      Pass-Fail Rates and Learning optimization

6.      Email Positive Reminder Messaging during the year about “Stand up, Speak up, and It’s On US!”

7.      Resources and Policies for YOUR school (not generic info)

8.      Hotlines and Peer Counselor Links

9.      How to Help a Friend

If you’d like more info, let me know.

 

Best regards,

Katie

 

Katie Koestner

866.966.9013

 

From: McLay, Molly Margaret [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2015 7:55 PM
To: Stephanie McClure
Cc:
Subject: Re: intro letter to students about prevention programming

 

I would love to see such a letter as well!

 

Best,

 

Molly M. McLay, LCSW

Assistant Director

University of Illinois Women's Resources Center

Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations

2nd Floor, MC-302

703 S. Wright Street

Champaign, IL 61820

(p) 217-333-3137

(f) 217-244-3167

http://www.go.illinois.edu/wrc

 

 

NOTE: Email is not a confidential form of communication. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any written communication to or from University employees regarding University business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.

 

If you need assistance related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, please call the Women’s Resources Center at 217-333-3137 anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm to make an appointment. If you need support outside of these hours, please call the Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (R.A.C.E.S.) hotline at (217) 344-6298 or the Emergency Dean at (217) 333-0050.

On Jun 29, 2015, at 6:52 PM, Stephanie McClure <> wrote:

Hi there, 

 

My institution is rolling out Haven this fall and we are in the process of writing up a letter from the president's office for the student body. I'm wondering if anyone else might have a sample letter that they used when initially communicating with students regarding federal guidelines and prevention programing implementation. 

 

Thanks, 

 

--

Stephanie L. McClure

Violence Preventionist

www.stephaniemcclure.com

View my profile on linkedin

Review my work HERE

--

Robert Buelow 
Vice President, Partner Education
332 Congress St, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02210
P 781 726 6677 x154
  www.everfi.com