Procedure for Institutional Policy GA-15: Sexual Assault Awareness Program

1.Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to outline WVSOM’s process for developing, implementing, and maintaining sexual assault awareness programs that educate the campus community on the prevention of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking in compliance with the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”) provisions.

2. Applicability

2.1

This procedure applies to all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and contractors at WVSOM and includes:

2.1.1

Primary prevention and awareness programs for new students and employees.

2.1.2

Ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns throughout the academic year.

2.2

WVSOM reserves the right to amend this procedure at any time, as necessary or appropriate.

3. Definitions

3.1

For purposes of these procedures, the defined terms used herein have the definitions assigned to them in Institutional Policy GA-15: Safety and Security. 

3.2

WVSOM will ensure that all awareness programs include definitions of:

3.2.1

Sexual assault

3.2.2

Dating violence

3.2.3

Domestic violence

3.2.4

Stalking

3.2.5

Consent (as defined by applicable state law and institutional policy)

3.2.6

Bystander intervention

3.2.7

Risk reduction

3.3

These definitions must be clearly communicated in all educational materials and presentations. 

4. Program Objectives

4.1

Sexual Assault Awareness Programs are designed to: 

4.1.1

Educate the campus community on what constitutes sexual assault and related misconduct

4.1.2

Promote awareness and prevention of sexual violence

4.1.3

Provide information on consent, bystander intervention, and risk reduction

4.1.4

Inform the community about institutional policies, procedures, and resources

5. Primary Prevention and Awareness Programs

5.1 Target Audience

5.1.1

All incoming students (osteopathic and graduate)

5.1.2

All new employees (faculty, staff, administration)

5.2 Program Requirements

5.2.1

WVSOM will offer prevention programs that:

a.

Are mandatory for all new students and employees

b.

Provide clear definitions of prohibited conduct

c.

Promote positive and healthy behaviors that foster a safe and respectful environment

d.

Include information on reporting others, institutional procedures, and resources

5.3 Methods of Delivery

5.3.1

Online training modules

5.3.2

In-person orientations or workshops

5.3.3

Printed materials and guides

5.3.4

Peer-led sessions or facilitated discussions

6. Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaigns

6.1 Frequency

6.1.1

Offered throughout the academic year (at minimum each semester) 

6.2 Topics May Include:

6.2.1

Consent and communication

6.2.2

Bystander intervention skills

6.2.3

Supporting survivors

6.2.4

Alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assault

6.2.5

Healthy relationships and boundaries

6.2.6

Rights under Title IX and the Clery Act

6.3 Formats

6.3.1

Public service announcements

6.3.2

Social media campaigns

6.3.3

Guest speakers and survivor panels

6.3.4

Interactive events (e.g., Take Back the Night, Clothesline Project)

6.3.5

Campus-wide awareness day/month (e.g., Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April)

7. Collaboration and Partnerships

7.1

WVSOM may coordinate awareness programming with:

7.1.1

Title IX Office

7.1.2

Campus Security

7.1.3

Student Affairs

7.1.4

Health and Counseling Services

7.1.5

Local rape crisis centers and advocacy groups

7.1.6

Peer education groups

8. Documentation and Evaluation

8.1

WVSOM may track participation in all prevention and awareness programs. 

8.2

Feedback surveys may be collected to assess program effectiveness. 

8.3

Programs will be reviewed annually to incorporate updated practices and legal requirements. 

9. Communication of Programs

9.1

Information about Sexual Assault Awareness Programs will be included in:

9.1.1

Student and employee handbooks

9.1.2

WVSOM’s Annual Security Report (“ASR”) 

9.1.3

Institutional website and event calendars

9.2

All materials must be easily accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent. 

10. Clery Act and ASR Requirements

10.1

In compliance with the Clery Act, WVSOM must:

10.1.1

Include a description of educational programs in the ASR

10.1.2

Provide a statement of institutional policies regarding sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking

10.1.3

Outline the procedures for disciplinary action and available resources

10.1.4

Describe the ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns

10.2

The ASR is published annually by October 1 and made available to current and prospective students and employees. 

11. Contact Information and Resources

For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Programs or to get involved:

Title IX Office

Phone: 304-793-6836

Email: titleix@osteo.wvsom.edu

Website: https://www.wvsom.edu/title-ix

Counseling Services

Phone: 304-647-6324

Hours: 8:00am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday (24/7 Emergency – 1-866-640-4777 School Code (WVSOM)

Campus Security

Emergency: 304-647-8911

Non-Emergency:  304-647-6401

12. Review and Updates

This procedure will be reviewed annually by the Clery Compliance Committee and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, policy, and best practices.