Feb. 29, 2020
Dear University community,
Often, the stretch between the start of class and spring break can feel longer than just two months of the year. As we head into March and mid-terms before spring break, please remember there is a community behind you. The university has many resources for anyone and everyone in our Ram family who is struggling with physical or mental health issues, safety concerns or other challenges.
Recent incidences of unlawful sexual behavior and resources for interpersonal violence survivors
Since the start of spring semester, we’ve sent two safety messages regarding unlawful sexual behavior – one in the city off campus in January, and one on campus on Feb. 15. Fort Collins Police Services also are investigating this burglary of a home that involves the theft of women’s undergarments.
Please watch your email for safety communications from the university’s Public Safety Team, and be sure you’re signed up for text alerts for urgent communications. More information about how to sign up for alerts
We want to remind you of information on how to report interpersonal violence and how to access resources available to students, faculty and staff.
The only person responsible for preventing a sexual assault is the person who chooses to commit it. Sexual activity without consent equals assault. The best practice for obtaining or giving consent is to get a clearly stated, sober and fully conscious YES.
- Learn the legal definition of sexual consent and do not cross another person’s boundaries without consent.
- See something: say something. Do not minimize what you see or experience if something doesn’t feel right. Intervene on behalf of others in a situation that appears to be non-consensual and leave a situation if it makes you uncomfortable.
- While we know that reporting incidents of sexual assault, interpersonal violence and stalking can be scary, please consider reporting those incidents to police. In addition, students should report incidents of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to the Office of Title IX. Faculty and staff should report to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
How to access help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time
If you’re struggling or are concerned about someone else who may be having a difficult time, please know many students who are having a difficult time reach out for help. If you are struggling with emotions that make it difficult for you to connect to others, attend class, experience happiness, or be engaged with friends and family, please reach out to university resources. We recommend students connect with the CSU Health Network at 970-491-6053 or http://health.colostate.edu/. Student Case Management is another great resource at 970-491-8051 or http://www.studentcasemanagement.colostate.edu/.
Students also can find ideas for relieving stress and anxiety on You@CSU at YOU.colostate.edu. This free and confidential online portal provides a range of stress management and mental health resources to students, and can help you prioritize and set goals for getting through the rest of the year.
Employees can access no-cost confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program for themselves or members of their household. The program also offers connections to legal and financial experts who can advise on a number of concerns ranging from help with wellness and relationship challenges to help finding elder care for family members.
If you’re concerned about someone who may need support, use the Tell Someone system to help the university reach out to them. Reports are confidential. Visit tellsomeone.colostate.edu for more information, or call 970-491-1350.
Additional information about resources for students, faculty and staff can be found at https://safety.colostate.edu/support-and-counseling-services/.
Coronavirus monitoring
Finally, we want to remind you of the university’s webpage regarding coronavirus, which is at https://safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus/. We are continuing to monitor the unfolding situation and many units across the university are working together, as well as with local, state and national health experts, as we continue to respond as a university. We plan to send a communication out about those efforts next week, and we will continue to keep our university community informed through emails and the webpage.
Take care of yourselves and your fellow Rams,
The Public Safety Team