Dear Student:
Providing a safe place for everyone to work and study is our top priority at the University of Pittsburgh. Our first step toward reducing and eliminating sex- and gender-based violence is understanding where, and how, it’s occurring.
You may have already heard about the upcoming Higher Education Sexual Misconduct & Awareness Survey, which Chancellor Gabel mentioned in her message a few days ago. Pitt is one of 10 universities participating in this confidential survey, being administered by an outside agency called Westat.
In a few days, you will receive a link to the survey, which is designed to help colleges and universities understand and address issues related to sexual misconduct and awareness. Each email contains a unique link that can only be used by the recipient.
Please consider taking the survey and answer as honestly as possible. Your responses will help us gauge areas where we’ve made progress and also where we need to do more. We’re trying to identify places where our efforts are making a difference — and change those things that aren’t as successful.
Pitt has participated these surveys before; the one we conducted in 2019, for instance, helped lead to new and expanded sexual assault education on campus, plus our new stand-alone prevention office. Our goal is to provide a learning environment for everyone that is inclusive, welcoming, and free from the fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
If you’d like to talk to someone before completing the survey:
We know that taking this survey can be challenging. Prevention at Pitt will have open office hours on the 31st Floor of the Cathedral of Learning from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27, and Feb. 28. There will be snacks, fidget-spinners, and self-care activities available each day, and advocates from Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) will also be present on Feb. 21 and 28.
I appreciate your help with this important task that will make life at the University better for everyone. Thank you for reading this email, have a great semester, and Hail to Pitt!
Sincerely,
Clyde Wilson Pickett, Ed.D. (EDUC ’17G)
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer