A Message from Dean Berquam Regarding Mandatory Reporting of Crime « Division of Student Life « UW-Madison

A Message from Dean Berquam Regarding Mandatory Reporting of Crime

Dear members of the UW-Madison community,

By now, I’m sure that you are all familiar with the disturbing allegations regarding sexual assault that have arisen at other campuses across the country. While those incidents will be played out in the media and the judicial system, we as educators and students need to discuss how we must respond when such allegations arise. UW-Madison is a learning community, and the right for all people to feel safe on campus is fundamental to our community. Each of us has a responsibility, both ethical and legal, to uphold the safety and well-being of our campus.

To put it more plainly: If you see something, say something. In many cases, a failure to report has more than just moral implications; by allowing improper conduct to go unreported, you may put the safety of the victim and the stature of our institution at risk. The U.S. Department of Education and the courts have made it clear that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 offers all of us protection from sexual harassment or sexual violence in our educational programs or activities.

And when it comes to children and suspicion of child sexual abuse, the law is very clear, and the university requires members of its community — faculty, staff and students — to report any suspected incidents. We are reinforcing the reporting process with units that interact with children.

Violations or concerns about possible violations of Title IX and/or the university’s discrimination policies — even if they don’t rise to the level of criminal behavior — should be immediately reported to the Office of Equity and Diversity at or 608- 263-2378, or to the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay Service, 7-1-1.

The following resources are available to the UW community to bring issues and concerns to the attention of the university and/or law enforcement:
-Emergencies: 911
-UW Police Department: 608-264-2677 (264-COPS)
-Madison Police Department: 608-261-9694
-UW-Madison Safety Website: . SafeU provides links to campus safety resources, as well as copies of the Campus Safety Report.
-Dean of Students Office: 608-263-5700
-Employee Assistance Office: 608-263-2987.
-UHS 24-Hour Crisis Line: 608-265-5600. This number can be used both by those suffering from stress or mental health issues and by those who believe that someone they know may need help.

These reports will be evaluated, and the proper intervention and assistance will be offered to individuals as needed, with the utmost respect for the privacy and legal rights of all those involved.

Again, if you see something, say something. The resources identified above are available to assist you. UW-Madison takes allegations of illegal or unethical behavior seriously. Allegations brought to the university’s attention will be reviewed, and appropriate follow-up action will be taken.

Thank you for your time and attention. By working together, we can help to keep all members of our community safe.

On, Wisconsin!

Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students
Division of Student Life

GT | Police Department - Crime Alerts

A student reported that she parked her vehicle on Ferst Drive near the Student Center and began walking along Ferst Drive towards the library. She realized that she had forgotten something in her vehicle and walked back. When she entered her vehicle, she did not notice that an unknown male was in the rear seat. He struck the back of her head with his hand and pulled on a lanyard hanging from her neck. He then made a reference towards the student's purse. The student sprayed pepper spray at the male and he exited the vehicle headed in an unknown direction with the student's property. The student received minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

The University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) is providing the following composite sketch of the suspect involved in the sexual battery incident that occurred on campus and reported earlier this morning.

Click here to download:
11-32 Timely Warning - Sexual Battery Update.pdf (91 KB)
(download)

The University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) is providing the following composite sketch of the suspect involved in the sexual battery incident that occurred on campus and reported earlier this morning. The sketch was developed with information provided by the witness who assisted the victim.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his late twenties to early thirties, between 5’10 and 6’0” tall. He has a thin build and at the time of the incident was wearing a close trimmed beard which covered his chin and jaw line. He was last seen wearing an unadorned, baggy, red T-shirt, baggy, blue denim shorts, and was wearing a light colored baseball type cap. The suspect left the area with the victim in an unidentified vehicle.. Anyone with information about the incident or

who may know the man’s identity is asked to call UFPD at (352) 392-1111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 372-STOP (7867).

The UFPD would also like to remind everyone of these basic safety considerations:

Avoid walking alone. On campus, use the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP). Request a SNAP escort online at http://www.snap.ufl.edu, via telephone at 392-7627 (SNAP), or through the SNAP app. SNAP operates from 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. nightly.

Stay in well-lighted areas away from alleys, bushes, and entryways.

Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.

If a driver stops to ask directions, avoid getting close to the car.

If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction. You should go to a public location and get assistance. Also be sure to call police.

Do not hitchhike and only accept rides from people you know well.

Always be alert and aware. If someone bothers you, do not be embarrassed to attract attention to yourself. Yell!

Always try to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

For questions regarding information contained in this release, please contact Major Brad Barber at (352) 273-3309. If after hours, please call (352) 392-1111 or # UFPD (#8373) and ask to speak to a Patrol Supervisor. Major Barber can also be reached via e-mail at wbarber@ufl.edu or through the UFPD webpage at http://www.police.ufl.edu.

Released by: Major Brad Barber, Assistant Director
Reviewed by: Deputy Chief Darren Baxley, Associate Director

Number: 11—32 

SMU excels on Clery Act scorecard - News - Daily Campus - Southern Methodist University

The child sex abuse scandal that jolted Penn State University last month has prompted universities across the country to examine whether their crime reporting practices meet federal requirements.

The SMU Technology Reporting class reviewed the university's crime reporting policies and found that SMU appears to be fully complying with the federal Clery Act, which requires colleges to proactively report crimes on campus.