An important message to students from President Turner

Dear Student,

As we begin a new semester, we’d like to remind you of SMU policies and resources that support our campus community’s safety.

SMU strictly prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual and gender-based harassment, assault and any form of sexual violence. It is important that you, as a member of our community, support a learning environment free from sexual misconduct and that you remain informed about SMU policies and resources.

For these reasons, we ask you to review the SMU Live Responsibly website or download the Live Responsibly booklet, which undergraduates received in printed form last semester to keep during their time at SMU.

Please pay careful attention to the information provided about Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the federal law that requires universities to investigate reports of sexual harassment and violence, and to have internal grievance procedures to address Title IX violations. SMU takes very seriously its obligations under Title IX and will vigorously pursue any violations. SMU’s Title IX Coordinator, Samantha Thomas, and seven Deputy Title IX Coordinators are available to assist you and other community members who have questions or concerns, or who wish to file a complaint under SMU’s Title IX policy. Call 214-768-3601 or email accessequity@smu.edu.

Please also be aware that in addition to violating SMU policy and federal law, sexual assault is a crime punishable under Texas law by imprisonment from two to 20 years, plus a fine up to $10,000. In the event of sexual assault, all community members are urged to immediately call police and seek medical care.

In addition to SMU’s Title IX Coordinator, campus and community resources available to help you include:

• SMU Police, 214-768-3333 or pick up a blue-light phone on campus
• The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 214-345-6203
• Trained confidential counselors at SMU’s Psychological Services for Women and Gender Issues, 214-768-4795; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), 214-768-2277; Office of the Chaplain, 214-768-4502; and the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, 972-641-7273
• The Office of the Dean of Student Life, 214-768-4564
• The Women & LGBT Center, 214-768-4792

We encourage you to contact these resources with any questions and to learn about ongoing programs at SMU to prevent sexual misconduct.

We would like to thank SMU student leaders who have developed the “Not On My Campus” campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault, as well as students who are participating in the White House’s national “It’s On Us” campaign. We also thank the students, faculty and staff who have helped to implement the recommendations of SMU’s 2012-13 President’s Task Force on Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures.

Thank you, as well, for being informed about this serious issue and for your commitment to Live Responsibly at SMU.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

Lori S. White
Vice President for Student Affairs