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CU Â鶹ӰԺ's Sexual Misconduct Task Force (SMTF), established in September 2022, supports the expansion of prevention efforts for reducing sexual harassment and violence on campus, and invites the CU Â鶹ӰԺ community to learn more at an open forum March 14.

The SMTF is a collaborative body focused on proactive measures for shaping a safer, more inclusive campus. The community forum will be held in C4C Flatirons Room from 4 to 5 p.m. and presents a unique opportunity for the campus community to engage with the comprehensive vision of the task force. Attendees can:

• Discuss the current actions and recommendations with task force members.
• Share their perspectives and experiences to the ongoing conversation about sexual misconduct prevention on campus.
• Learn important ways to contribute to reducing sexual harm and improving the student experience.

The task force, led by the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) and the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), includes leaders from university departments critical to student success. From October 2022 to July 2023, the SMTF reviewed campus data and peer-reviewed research to develop strategies that align with the Buff Undergraduate Success Leadership Implementation Team (BUS-LIT) and the Common Curriculum. These strategies aim to enhance student experiences while reducing harm. 

Key activities

The charge of the SMTF, issued in September 2022, laid the groundwork for developing a comprehensive action plan. Key initial activities of the task force were:

• Developing a deeper understanding of campus data and research on prevention 
• Identifying campuswide strategies
• Increasing opportunities for targeted education
• Creating long-term goals and an implementation plan

The updated charge of the SMTF provides sustained support for continuing coalition building to garner buy-in for implementing the recommended actions. 

Ongoing objectives

• Pilot program expansion:Based on assessment data from the Engineering Connections first-year student program in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, identify strategies that reduce sexual harm and boost sense of belonging for broader replication in other schools and colleges.
• Academic engagement: Work to build academic support for augmenting engagement at the beginning of the semester to foster a sense of belonging and accountability.
• First-year experience course: Determine the design, implementation, and feasibility of a mandatory course for all incoming undergraduates, emphasizing community building and mutual accountability.