Working together to end violence: Chancellor's letter to the campus community

To the campus community: 

As we begin the fall semester, I am pleased to announce a new initiative to increase awareness about dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and domestic violence. This initiative is part of a comprehensive UC systemwide effort made possible by a $1-million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women to build awareness and help prevent violent acts from happening to anyone in our community. Addressing these issues is a part of the University’s commitment to providing you with an inspiring, healthy, and safe learning and work environment. A key component is an atmosphere free of violence, coercion and fear. 

This new effort includes the following actions:

• All incoming UC students will attend an in-person education session during their first semester that addresses laws, campus policies, reporting options and resources to help survivors. For more information visit geneq.berkeley.edu/empowerU.

• A new website—ucempowerU.berkeley.edu—is now available to provide information on where to find help on each UC campus, continue to educate the community and reduce the risk of occurrence through education.

• Campus police and student conduct officers will receive specialized training on responding to these crimes.

I want to commend the work of dedicated students, faculty and staff who regularly provide our community with prevention education and assistance: UCPD, Gender Equity Resource Center, University Health Services, Campus Climate and Compliance, Student Affairs and many others.   

I invite you to join this effort.   

Sincerely, 

Robert Birgeneau

Chancellor

University of California, Berkeley