Â鶹Éç

Dear Student,

As we begin a new semester, we’d like to remind you of Â鶹Éç policies and resources that support our campus community’s safety.

SMU strictly prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual and gender-based harassment, assault and any form of sexual violence. It is important that you, as a member of our community, support a learning environment free from sexual misconduct and that you remain informed about Â鶹Éç policies and resources.

For these reasons, we ask you to review the or download the , which undergraduates received in printed form last semester to keep during their time at Â鶹Éç.

Please pay careful attention to the information provided about , the federal law that requires universities to investigate reports of sexual harassment and violence, and to have internal grievance procedures to address Title IX violations. Â鶹Éç takes very seriously its obligations under Title IX and will vigorously pursue any violations. are available to assist you and other community members who have questions or concerns, or who wish to file a complaint under . Call 214-768-3601 or email accessequity@smu.edu.

Please also be aware that in addition to violating Â鶹Éç policy and federal law, sexual assault is a crime punishable under Texas law by imprisonment from two to 20 years, plus a fine up to $10,000. In the event of sexual assault, all community members are urged to immediately .

In addition to Â鶹Éç’s Title IX Coordinator, campus and community resources available to help you include:

• SMU Police, 214-768-3333 or pick up a blue-light phone on campus
• The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 214-345-6203
• Trained confidential counselors at Â鶹Éç’s Psychological Services for Women and Gender Issues, 214-768-4795; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), 214-768-2277; Office of the Chaplain, 214-768-4502; and the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, 972-641-7273
• The Office of the Dean of Student Life, 214-768-4564
• The Women & LGBT Center, 214-768-4792

We encourage you to contact these resources with any questions and to learn about ongoing programs at Â鶹Éç to prevent sexual misconduct.

We would like to thank Â鶹Éç student leaders who have developed the “Not On My Campus” campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault, as well as students who are participating in the White House’s national “It’s On Us” campaign. We also thank the students, faculty and staff who have helped to implement the recommendations of Â鶹Éç’s .

Thank you, as well, for being informed about this serious issue and for your commitment to Live Responsibly at Â鶹Éç.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

Lori S. White
Vice President for Student Affairs