Act 177
August 6, 2010
TO: All University of Wisconsin-Parkside Employees
FROM: Steve McLaughlin
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services and
Dean of Students
SUBJECT: Wisconsin Act 177 change to: UWS 36.11(22)(c)
The State of Wisconsin Act 177 became law on April 1, 1990. The law requires the Board of Regents to direct each institution and center to incorporate into their orientation program for newly admitted students oral and written information on sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual assault by acquaintances of the victim. In addition, the law requires you as an employee of the institution who witnesses a sexual assault on campus or who receives a report from a student who has been sexually assaulted to report it to my office. My office compiles a report from this information to disseminate to the student body. In order to assist you with this task, I have enclosed a form that should make it easier for you to report such incidents.
Specifically the law states:
Any person employed at an institution or center who witnesses a sexual assault on campus or receives a report from a student enrolled at the institution or center that the student has been sexually assaulted shall report to the dean of students of the institution or to the dean of the center. The dean of students or dean of the center shall compile reports for the purposes of disseminating statistical information under par.(a)1.b.
If the victim wishes to remain anonymous, you may report the incident without including a name. However, because sexual assault is a crime and because it can have long lasting negative effects on the victim, you should strongly urge the victim to seek assistance through the Student Health and Counseling Services, University Police, or the Dean of Students Office. There are trained advocates on campus available to assist the victim. Additional referral and support are provided through Women and Childrens Horizons in Kenosha (1-800-853-3503/262-652-9900 crisis or 652-1846 business office) and the Women's Resource Center in Racine (262-633-3233 crisis or 262-633-3274 business office).
The definitions of sexual assault, which are listed as part of the reporting form, may be helpful to you in fulfilling your obligation as an employee under this state law.
All instances of sexual assault are reportable under this legislation--regardless of the degree of assault, or whether the perpetrator is known to the victim (acquaintance rape) or not (stranger rape).
Additionally, I often receive questions regarding sexual harassment. The university defines sexual harassment as unwanted, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other physical, written, or verbal intimidation of an offensive nature either where (a) compliance may be made a condition of education or employment; or (b) in relationships among equals, when such harassment has a harmful effect on ability to study or work.
For additional information, or clarification on the requirements of this state law, please call me at ext. 2598 or stop by WYLL 345.