Dear graduate students,

Sexual violence and misconduct is an issue on campuses across the country, and ours is no exception. It is important that we take an active role in preventing, reporting and responding to sexual misconduct when we encounter it and remain committed to providing a safe environment where we all can live, learn and work.

On February 15^th, you received an email from the University Ethics Officer directing you to complete an online sexual misconduct training course which provides users with an understanding of what kind of conduct constitutes a violation of law or university policy. It covers reporting options and discusses opportunities and methods to intervene if a faculty, staff or student is a witness to instances of sexual misconduct.

Finally, it helps University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign employees – including graduate student employees and professional students – understand their response and reporting obligations if a student, faculty or staff member reports an incident of sexual misconduct, as well as the resources available to address sexual violence. With very few exceptions, many of us are “responsible employees,” meaning we must report instances of sexual misconduct when they come to our attention.

Graduate students who complete the training this week will be entered into a drawing for a $75 gift card. Those who complete the course between February 22 and March 6 will be eligible to win a $50 gift card, and anyone who completes the training after those dates will qualify to win a $25 gift card. More information about the training is available at http://wecare.illinois.edu/faq/training/.

Join me in completing this training so we can continue to encourage a safe and secure environment which fosters the academic and professional success of our students, faculty and staff.

Renée Romano
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs