SUBJECT:

UC Issues Updated Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy

The University of California has issued a revised Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy in response to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA). VAWA requires that educational institutions, including UC San Diego, comply with specific regulations when responding to incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and sexual harassment. UC's revised Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy implements these requirements by increasing reporting requirements for sexual harassment and sexual violence, providing support and clear direction for victims, and offering training to faculty, staff and students. VAWA goes into effect today. The new policy is available on the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination website: http://goo.gl/HcPKqL and UCOP's policy site: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SHSV.

UC San Diego is part of a UC system-wide effort to provide education, prevention and response to the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. As part of this commitment, training will be available to all members of the UC San Diego community regarding these issues, and information regarding our responsibilities under VAWA will be provided during orientation programs for new students and employees. In addition, information regarding our VAWA responsibilities will be included in the Life Theatre sexual harassment prevention programs on April 16, which will be offered both on campus and at Hillcrest.

To register for one of the Life Theatre programs, please go to the UC Learning Center. Please watch for programs in April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month site http://sarc.ucsd.edu and for future announcements regarding VAWA training opportunities. Any questions regarding the new policy or the requirements under VAWA should be directed to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination at ophd@ucsd.edu.

Pradeep Khosla Chancellor