Our Campus Culture and Sexual Violence
Dear all,
Important conversations are happening on college campuses across the country about personal safety and community care in the wake of the deeply disturbing allegations of sexual assault at Cornell.
The reports are appalling and painful to consider, and it is tempting to look away; but we cannot, as we know that no community is immune. It is important to reflect on our own situation—our campus culture, our history, our policies and practices–and to think about when we have lived our values and when we have fallen short. Committing to working together to prevent violence, support survivors, and cultivate a community that prioritizes humanity and respect is paramount.
To that end, I want to make sure you are all aware that every two years we survey students about the sexual climate on campus. We have been doing this research for more than a decade. The most recent data from 2024/2025 is available online, and I encourage you to explore it to understand what students are saying and sharing. The survey will go out again this spring.
Additionally, I want to share information about the resources we have on campus and the work being done to educate, prevent assault, and address these issues—beginning for students at first-orientation and continuing throughout the time at Vassar.
Support Advocacy and Violence Prevention (SAVP) provides support for those who have experienced sexual or relationship violence and education about consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. To schedule an appointment reach out: savp@vassar.edu, or, call the 24/7 SAVP Advocate Hotline at (845) 437-7333 and ask to speak with the advocate on-call.
Health Promotion and Education offers free safer sex supplies and education and discussion about the role of alcohol and other drugs in sexual misconduct.
Counseling Services offers confidential counseling support to process difficult past and present experiences, interpersonal dynamics, and the impact of trauma.
Health Services provides STI/HIV testing, emergency contraceptives, PrEP and PEP, contraceptive management, and sexual and reproductive health services.
CARE provides connection to off-campus care and assistance navigating financial aid and health insurance.
Off campus support is available through Family Services Center for Victim Safety and Support (CVSS): (845) 452-7272.
Office of Institutional Equity supports and provides resolution options for all members of the community affected by harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. This includes complainants, respondents, mandatory reporters, and those who come forward as friends or supporters.
To report an incident of harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, visit this site.
We are committed to actively sharing support resources across our community and maintaining robust, reliable reporting mechanisms and procedures. This requires ongoing reflection, a willingness to listen to experiences and perspectives that may challenge our assumptions, and a commitment to evaluating and strengthening our efforts across the College. This work extends beyond policies and procedures to the culture of our community and our shared responsibility for preventing and addressing harm effectively.
As a campus community we are interdependent. Let us continue to reflect and work together to do all we can to keep all members of our community safe.
Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@linkedin.com/in/ehbradley