Winter 2024 Update

In November, we experienced an unexpected disruption to the U of A’s Sexual Assault Centre, which has impacted people across our university community in many ways. We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on how we've been working to find a path forward while making some adjustments along the way.

Guiding our work is a campus culture where all those who learn, live and work in our community can do so in a safe environment free from any form of harassment and sexual violence. The U of A’s Sexual Assault Centre is a core wellness service that enables us to deliver on that commitment. We are working with the university’s dedicated Lead, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response on next steps and priorities for the Winter 2024 term. We are hopeful that these commitments will help rebuild trust in the important services provided by the university to the community.

Reviewing service delivery

Last November’s changes to the operations of the U of A’s Sexual Assault Centre prompted a mindful review of the comprehensive wellness services delivered through the centre. The ongoing review will inform a renewed structure that is firmly focused on prevention, education, dedicated support for survivors, and community wellness. We are eager to work through this transition period as swiftly as possible; however, these reviews and meaningful change take time, care and due diligence to be sustainable, survivor-centred, and in alignment with leading practices.

Prioritizing accessible survivor support services

Providing crisis care and support services for survivors is our priority. Survivor support continues to be available and accessible on and off campus for all U of A members. Find how to best access support services according to your needs and preferences. The in-person locations of some services have changed -- and we are working towards having additional in-person drop-in service opportunities very soon.

At this time, the Centre will not be able to host community education programming—such as the volunteer program, workshops and educational awareness campaigns.

Leading with purpose

We are actively recruiting new leadership with expertise in sexual and gender-based violence. The priority of this role will be to guide and oversee the new vision and service delivery of our crisis intervention, wellness, education, and support services. It’s important that we take the time required to ensure we appoint a leader with deep expertise and a commitment to leading practices in this field. The role is expected to be listed on the U of A Careers site within the next two weeks.

We are looking forward to supporting a renewed, welcoming and safe space for survivors in the U of A community. We greatly appreciate the ongoing patience, understanding and supportive generosity that community members and our partners have shown over these months of transition. While sexual and gender-based violence support services continue to evolve at the university, the U of A remains fully committed to supporting all survivors in need of assistance.

If you require any additional support or have feedback or questions, please email dosdean@ualberta.ca.

Sincerely,

Tim Tang
Associate Vice-President, Student Experience + Interim Director, U of A Sexual Assault Centre

Ravina Sanghera
Vice-Provost and Dean of Students