The LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, a new office designed to provide information and support to students and university community members dealing with sexual violence, misconduct and harassment, is now open on the University of New Mexico campus.

“I think that you will agree that this is a momentous occasion,” said Board of Regents member Lt. Gen. Bradley Hosmer, USAF (Ret.), who spoke during the grand opening ceremony.

The LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center is designed to offer one-on-one, confidential interaction with advocates trained to address a variety of issues; everything from sexual violence, to hate bias, bullying and hazing. Located on the second floor of UNM’s Advisement and Enrichment Center, the office is also a place where people can go to report any traumatic event.

“What sets our student advocacy center apart is it provides personal advocacy from start to finish. One physical location, one phone number… And we have a 24/7 line,” said UNM President Robert Frank.

“Getting help should be simple. Getting help should be easy. This is easy. One phone number, one place, get you the help you need whatever it may be; medical, technical, confidentiality, you name it,” said Hosmer.

The center is another part of UNM’s LoboRESPECT initiative, an approach aimed at preventing and responding to sexual violence on campus. Tomas Aguirre, UNM’s dean of students, said LoboRESPECT began as a campaign to specifically address sexual violence, but has since evolved to address things like hate bias and alcohol abuse as well.

“The Advocacy Center is another important brick in our efforts to make UNM a very safe, secure environment where students can go through, get a great education and graduate,” said President Frank.

Center staff will also provide information on short term loans, semester withdraws, and help students navigate the petition process for scholarships and financial aid. There’s also a 24/7 hotline available for people to report incidents or get information any time of day.

The LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center is located in Room 262 in the University Advisement and Enrichment Center. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For 24/7 access to an advocate, call (505) 277-2911.

For more information on the LoboRESPECT initiative: LoboRESPECT