Sent to: Michigan Engineering faculty, staff and students
Dear Michigan Engineering Community:
Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment is a key priority of the College and University. That’s why I’m writing today to follow up on a crime alert issued by U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) to our community on July 8 – to inform you of steps we are taking, and what we can all do individually to keep our community safe.
The alert notified our community of a reported sexual assault in the Robotics Building. Although DPSS does not release details on an active investigation, I want to let you know that we continue to remain in close contact with DPSS and the affected community, providing support both for their investigation and our faculty, staff and students. Since the incident, DPSS and other supportive units have been working closely with those affected, including providing a community briefing in Robotics, increased police patrolling across North Campus, personal self-defense and assertiveness training, and various sessions offered by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) and the Prevention Education, Awareness and Resources (PEAR) Center.
In addition, as we prepare for students to return to campus in the fall, we are developing further actions with DPSS to improve the safety and security of our facilities and environments. This includes safety assessments of Michigan Engineering buildings.
Please look for opportunities to participate in these assessment activities within your buildings, and share your concerns and feedback directly with your unit or department leadership, or with members of the Dean’s Office. And please take time to make sure you are approaching your daily interactions with security in mind, following established protocols and best practices to keep you, your colleagues and classmates, and our entire community safe.
As directed by DPSS, we want to remind you:
- Trust your intuition. If a particular situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
- If you see something, say something. Report suspicious behavior. Call 911.
- Avoid providing building access to people you do not know or anybody who makes you feel unsafe.
- Walk with a trusted friend or co-worker when possible. If you feel unsafe while transiting across campus, especially outside of normal business hours, call DPSS and they can arrange for an escort or ride.
Finally, should you need support during this time, please seek help from the College and University resources below.
Thank you for your ongoing support and care for our community here at Michigan Engineering.
Steven L. Ceccio, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Engineering
Vincent T. and Gloria M. Gorguze Professor of Engineering
Resources
- All members of the U-M community are encouraged to report sexual and gender-based misconduct to the University, to the police or both.
- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) provides support for survivors of sexual assault, a directory of campus and local resources, and a 24/7 Crisis Line (734-936-3333).
- Download the U-M Public Safety Mobile App, which you can use to report a crime or suspicious activity, request after-hours transport or directly dial DPSS.
- For students:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Call 734-764-8312 or email [email protected].
- Michigan Engineering C.A.R.E. Center: Call 734-615-1405 or email [email protected].
- The Dean of Students Office (734-764-7420) and Wolverine Wellness (734-763-1320) are also available to assist any student in need.
- For faculty and staff:
- Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO): Call 734-936-8660 or email [email protected].