CW: This article contains sensitive content regarding sexual assault. I’ll say it: College campuses are filled with conflict. As a former Resident Advisor, I can’t tell you the amount of random occurrences I witnessed within the residence halls while working duty. Stuff happens, and unfortunately, some of that “stuff” includes acts related to criminal activity, which ties in Title IX.
Any university student has probably heard of or come across Title IX during sometime in their college career. Many jobs require training for it and it was part of the mandatory online classes incoming freshmen had to take part in – but do you know what it means, or how it could affect you? Are you aware of mandated reporting and your rights as a student? Can you think about who would you go to in a time of personal crisis?
From Virginia Tech’s Office of Equity and Accessibility:
“Title IX of the Education Amendments (1972) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)). Title IX prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. The Violence Against Women (VAWA) Reauthorization Act (2013), also prohibits sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This federal legislation is sometimes referred to as the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act.”
These policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression. As a student, you should feel safe on this campus and understand that there are ways to report gender-based violence through Virginia Tech. There are many avenues to get help, but only some of them are confidential. The Cook Counseling Center, Schiffert Health Center, and the Virginia Tech Women’s Center are the only confidential resources on campus, meaning that they will give students the highest level of privacy possible.
Other resources that students can turn to include RAs, faculty and staff, or the Virginia Tech Police. All of these are not completely confidential, meaning that these groups will have to report incidents further. For some, this isn’t something that they find particularly comforting. It is important to know that no Virginia Tech staff member will share information externally, this just means they will report the case to Title IX so that it can be handled by professionals.
From Virginia Tech’s Office of Equity and Accessibility:
“Under certain circumstances, pursuant to federal requirements, some information may need to be shared with other university departments to assist the student or employee, provide for his or her safety, and/or provide for the safety of the campus community.”
The concept of “mandatory reporters” is a somewhat controversial one, because these officials are intended to support students, however, are mandated to share details of crimes committed on campus. This can cause a lack of privacy for students who may not want anyone else getting involved in a situation that occured.
This is why it is essential that Virginia Tech students know who to talk to in times of crisis. Awareness of mandatory reporting can help students who are struggling to talk to the right resource. Mandated reporters may be a great service to some, but not all situations are the same, and that is why some students need more attention given to their privacy rights. Virginia Tech’s three confidential resources are excellent places for students with concerns about privacy to get help.
Resources:
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Cook Counseling Center McComas Hall, RM 240, Virginia Tech 895 Washington Street SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Phone: 540-231-6557 Fax: 540-231-2104
For routine services, someone can be reached at Cook Counseling Center Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. , and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. who can help schedule appointments, offer advice, and provide information regarding campus and local mental healthcare. If you are feeling out of control and have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, secure help right away. If you are experiencing this outside of Cook Counseling Center’s normal business hours, crisis assistance is available by calling 540-231-6557.
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Schiffert Health Center 895 Washington Street, SW Virginia Tech, McComas Hall (0140) Blacksburg, VA 24061 Phone: 540-231-6444 Fax: 540-231-7473 or 540-231-6900
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The Women’s Center at Virginia Tech 206 Washington Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Phone: (540) 231-7806 Fax: (540) 231-6767
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