A message about sexual violence prevention and support from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor

Dear students,

Recent conversations on our campus, online and in the news have brought an important spotlight to sexual violence on college campuses. We know you have questions and concerns — and I want to speak directly to student safety, support and accountability related to sexual misconduct at UW–Madison.

We are committed to creating a campus culture where everyone can flourish and be successful. UW–Madison takes every report of sexual misconduct seriously. In all cases, the safety and care of the victim comes first. Please familiarize yourself with the following resources and support available, as well as ways we can each contribute to a safe and supportive campus culture.

Understanding options for support

UW–Madison offers free, confidential support through University Health Services (UHS) Survivor Services, including advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, medical care, and help navigating options for reporting and accommodations.

For survivors of sexual violence, the decision to report an incident is personal. Students can learn about reporting options, protective measures and academic accommodations with the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program (SMRRP).

While we appreciate the community’s inclination to seek information and updates about investigations, UW–Madison is generally prohibited by federal law from sharing certain details about students, including disciplinary actions. The university will hold accountable the students and registered student organizations found responsible for violating UW–Madison policy while prioritizing student privacy, safety and care in the details it shares with the public.

Being part of the solution

Preventing harm on campus requires a commitment from all of us. Unfortunately, sexual and relationship violence often occurs on university campuses in ways that don’t make headlines or campus alerts. Most incidents occur in familiar places between people who know one another.

Creating a healthy campus community means:

• Be respectful to each other, set clear boundaries and honor consent. If someone is incapacitated by alcohol or drugs, they are unable to give consent.
• Intervene when someone is being mistreated — ask if they need help, create a distraction, or call 911 if there is immediate danger or a medical emergency.
• Engage in responsible drinking that keeps you physically and mentally present in your surroundings; encourage others to do the same.
• Take care of each other — use a buddy system and be sure everyone gets home safely.
• Help build a campus we can all be proud to call home.

Addressing the fraternity and sorority community

Incidences of sexual violence extend beyond fraternities and sororities, but research shows these communities are at higher risk, both as offenders and victims. I applaud our fraternities, sororities and council leaders who have spoken clearly against the behaviors that don’t represent our community values.

In continuing support of this community effort, we will be creating a new UHS violence prevention position embedded within the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL). This person will expand and deepen work within the FSL community to address issues, including sexual violence, hazing and high-risk drinking.

Continuing our commitment

UHS will administer a campus sexual assault climate survey to all students in spring 2027 to deepen our understanding of the current environment at UW–Madison and what policies and efforts best support our community. This has been in progress for several months and will build on past surveys.

There are many ongoing efforts in prevention; supporting survivors through UHS and SMRRP; ensuring appropriate accountability; and creating a positive, fun and safe experience for all Badgers. We need you, too — it’s on all of us to make lasting change at UW–Madison.

Lori Reesor
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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