Hmorgan3@uwyo.edu
The University of Wyoming has received several reports this year of sexual assaults in the UW residence halls.
Based on the mandatory Cleary reports, there have been several reports of sexual assault in McIntyre Hall in the past academic year, including a reported case of sexual battery in early February of a female student. The prevalence of such incidents has brought concerns about safety in residence halls.
According to the Annual Security Report (ASR) published by UW, from 2012 to 2014, attempted and completed sexual offenses on campus building and property was consistently higher than non-campus and public property areas.
“By virtue of being new to college, freshmen are a higher risk age group,” UW STOP Violence Program Coordinator Megan Selheim said. “But it is important to remember that the assault statistics may look higher in residence halls because they are required to be reported in a certain way.”
Sexual assaults are reported through email announcements to all students, faculty and staff through mandatory guidance of the Cleary Act of 1990. If a report is made by a student to an official within the university, a mandatory announcement will be sent out as soon as possible.
The Cleary Act was instated after the rape and murder of Jeanne Cleary in 1986 on the University of Bethlehem Pennsylvania campus. Controversy arose after and her parents argued that the university’s crime record was unknown.
The Cleary Act now requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to disclose information about crime on their near and respective campuses.
Students have a variety of resources in residence halls to ensure safety on the UW campus, Selheim said.
If a student feels unsafe, they are able to access confidential services on campus. The STOP Violence Program office provides confidential support for survivors and acquaintances, while student health can provide confidential tests and medical services. Additionally, the university offers free counseling services to full-time students.
The UW Police Department is another direct resource available for students. UWPD urges individuals who believe they, or others, have been victims of sexual assault or other crimes to immediately contact UWPD or their local law enforcement agency.
Sarah Axelson, vice president for student affairs, said student safety remains the top priority of UW.
“These matters we take completely seriously,” Axelson said. “If someone is found responsible for sexual assault, it usually means dismissal from the university.”
Selheim said a good preventative measure against assault in the dorms is to know the people on one’s floor and to look out for one another.
“If one of your friends had too much to drink and looks uncomfortable with someone they are talking with, go over and get involved,” she said.
