Please note that this email includes references to gender-based violence, including sexual assault. The message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Dear students,
With fall semester underway, we are reaching out to bring transparency to Duke’s efforts to prevent sexual misconduct, support survivors, and implement accountability for those found responsible for violating Duke’s policies. Below you’ll find reminders of the campus resources available to students considering reporting an incident of misconduct, information on supports for anyone impacted directly or indirectly by gender violence, and a list of ways students can get involved in efforts to prevent gender based violence at Duke.
Our Commitment
First and foremost, we are committed to eradicating sexual misconduct at Duke. There is no place for sexual harassment, misconduct, or assault in the Duke community. We strive to foster a healthy living and learning enviroment that community that values respect, safety, and accountability. Our goal is to respond to any allegations of sexual misconduct promptly while demonstrating care for the wishes of the person reporting and provide the appropriate supports and resources for all students involved in the process.
Key Staff and Student-facing Resources
Jennifer Wiggins has joined Duke as our new Associate Dean of Students and Director of Gender Violence Education and Outreach. Jenn’s experience leading efforts as part of Georgetown University’s Sexual Assault Response and Prevention team and the National Institute of Health’s wellness program – as well as her expertise as a trauma specialist – has equipped her to lead Duke’s gender violence prevention efforts and forge strong partnerships with students and colleagues across Duke.
In addition, our team members have been working to make Duke a safer, more inclusive community for all, including through an expanded prevention training effort for new students.
Balthrop-Cassidy Fellow Corey Pilson T'20 (New Student and Family Programs) and Associate Dean of Students Victoria Krebs (Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards), conducted over thirty (30) educational trainings and reached over 2,000 students during the month of August. These trainings focused on Healthy Relationships and informed students about relevant support resources, interim measures, policies, and processes.
In 2022-23, Dean Krebs facilitated and resolved seven (7) adaptable resolutions related to sexual misconduct. Through adaptable resolutions, parties can develop a resolution agreement to address the harm caused and prevent it from happening again. This option has proven to be an empowering choice for students seeking an alternative to a formal adjudication process, and feedback indicates that both parties feel more satisfied and involved in determining how their case is resolved.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator Adrienne Allison (Office for Institutional Equity), has collaborated with Student Engagement and Leadership to develop guidance for student groups to foster safer environments.
If you’re not sure where to start with an issue, you might also want to reach out to Student Ombuds Keegan Cary. Since starting in Fall 2022, Keegan has connected with numerous graduate, professional and undergraduate individuals and groups of students to advise them on options related to reporting or seeking support around conduct and climate concerns.
What to Know
Every member of our community can play a role in addressing and preventing gender-based violence. Here are some ways you can join us in building a safer Duke:
Know how to make a report. Duke’s Office of Institutional Equity has produced this video to illustrate the process for reporting discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including what happens once a report is made. Please remember that making a report does not automatically trigger a formal investigation in most cases. Reporting sexual misconduct means that the impacted student will be invited to have a conversation about their needs and options.
Foster safe and respectful student organizations. Duke Student Involvement and Leadership have compiled these guidelines and recommendations in collaboration with OIE to help student organizations build safer communities. If you’re in student leadership, you can ensure your organization is one where every member can thrive.
Consider joining the Sexual Assault Impact and Listening Committee (SAIL). Students may also request to join the Sexual Assault Impact and Listening committee (SAIL), a student-administrator committee committed to increasing transparency and including student voices. If you or your group is interested in being represented at SAIL, email GVPI@duke.edu.
Again, we encourage you to bookmark the GVPI webpage so you can readily access the full list of services available to you. Whether you’re searching in a moment of crisis, you're asking questions on behalf of a friend, or you're looking for support as you process past experiences, our team is here to help you navigate difficult conversations and find the right resources for your specific needs.
If you’re uncertain about where to go, you can always reach out to a confidential resource to learn more about reporting options and confidential supports. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Thank You
Your well-being and ability to thrive throughout your time at Duke matters. We remain committed to taking tangible steps toward a safer and more inclusive campus at Duke, and we appreciate all the ways Duke student leaders and community members work in visible and unseen ways toward advancing this goal.
Thank you for looking out for one another.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice President for Student Affairs
Kimberly Hewitt
Vice President for Institutional Equity/Chief Diversity Officer
