The UNM community will have an opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to sexual violence on campus with representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) next week. DOJ staff will visit campus, Tuesday through Thursday, April 21-23, and Wednesday, May 6, to gather information from students, faculty, staff and others.

In December, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division opened a review into the University’s policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment, including sexual assault, at the University of New Mexico. UNM is fully cooperating with the DOJ on this review. Campus administrators are working closely with DOJ staff to set up and facilitate focus groups designed to help them learn more about how UNM handles allegations of sexual violence, including sex assaults, as well gather information about the resources and services provided in response to complaints.

“UNM is committed to reducing sexual violence in the campus community by providing any one who may have experienced it with resources and support, and by resolving complaints promptly and fairly,” Dean of Students Tomas Aguirre said.

Over the past year, campus leaders have taken numerous steps to accomplish these goals, including creating the LoboRESPECT initiative with C.A.R.E components of Compliance, Advocacy, Response and Education; establishing a new LoboRESPECT website with information about resources available on and off campus; expanding the Sexual Misconduct and Assault Response Team (SMART); updating and streamlining university policies, practices and programs related to sexual violence; and promoting student-led initiatives such as bystander intervention and other training and educational campaigns.

DOJ representatives will be on campus on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 21 - 23, 2015. All sessions, except the student athletes’ focus group, will be held in the Student Union Building (SUB) in various rooms on the upper level. Space is limited, so participants are asked to arrive early.

The Schedule

Tuesday, April 21
6 - 6:30 p.m. – Focus group for ALL students
(including undergraduates, graduate students, survivors of sexual assault, campus activists and international students). 

Location: Amigo, Luminaria and Trailblazer rooms (SUB)

6:30 - 7 p.m. – Focus group for ALL students (including undergraduates, graduate students, survivors of sexual assault, campus activists and international students).
Location: Amigo, Luminaria and Trailblazer (SUB)

7 - 7:30 p.m. – Focus group for student-athletes
Lettermen’s Lounge, WisePies Arena aka the Pit

Wednesday, April 22
12 - 2 p.m. – Open Office Hours
Room: Cherry/ Silver

6 - 6:30 p.m. – Focus group for ALL students (including undergraduates, graduate students, survivors of sexual assault, campus activists and international students).
Location: Fiesta A & B, Jemez and Trailblazer/Spirit (SUB)

6:30 - 7 p.m. – Focus group for ALL students (including undergraduates, graduate students, survivors of sexual assault, campus activists and international students).
Location: Fiesta A & B, Jemez and Trailblazer/Spirit (SUB)

7 - 7:30 p.m. – Focus Group for Fraternities & Sororities
Location: Cherry/ Silver room (SUB)

Thursday, April 23
12 - 2 p.m. – Open Office House
Room: Jemez

Wednesday, May 6
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Open Hours
Room: Cherry/Silver room (SUB)

Those who are unable to attend a focus group or a one-on-one meeting with DOJ representatives or who have privacy concerns may set up a private, in-person appointment or telephone conversation by contacting the Department of Justice at (855) 856-2048 or community.unm@usdoj.gov.