Safety Updates - Mason Families

George Mason University understands that as a family member you want to ensure that your student is safe and protected at all times. The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) and the Department of Police and Public Safety are committed to creating an environment in which everyone in our community can thrive. With this in mind, we encourage you to become familiar with the university’s recommended procedures on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies that may occur on campus.

Mason Alert: Mason Alert is George Mason University’s emergency notification system that is used to send emergency notifications and timely warnings to the university community via text, email, and telephone call. All students are strongly encouraged to register one or more cell phone numbers with Mason Alert, the university’s emergency notification system. Mason Alert text messages provide timely notification of events affecting your safety.

As a family member, your student can register your cell phone or email address on their account to allow the university to maintain your account for the duration of your student’s time at Mason. You can also register yourself for a guest account, but you will be required to re-register on an annual basis.

Be Prepared: Information on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies that might occur on campus is available at ready.gmu.edu. This site also has resources to help faculty and staff prepare for emergencies that interrupt classes or impact research activities.

Active Threat Prevention and Response: EHS and University Police recently released an Active Threat Awareness and Prevention video to help students, faculty, and staff identify and report concerning behaviors. This video also reviews actions that should be taken if a person with a weapon is reported on campus. Please review this short 15-minute video at Active Threat Response.

Public Safety App: The university offers a free public safety app to all students, faculty, and staff. Rave Guardian is integrated with Mason Alert and offers a number of important features, including a virtual safety escort function, ability to submit tips anonymously to University Police, and a panic call button that relays your location to University Police. The Rave Guardian app is free through the iTunes store and the Google Play store.

If you have any questions or concerns about Mason’s readiness for potential emergencies on campus, please contact EHS at safety@gmu.edu or 703-993-8448.

Timely Warnings: police.gmu.edu/timely-warningscrime-alerts
George Mason University issues timely warnings to the entire campus community when there is information that a Clery Act Crime has occurred on or near the University that is considered by the institution to represent a serious or continuing threat to campus safety.

Daily Crime and Fire Log: police.gmu.edu/crime-log-test
The Department of Police and Public Safety is required by law to keep a crime log of all reported crimes that occur on and near property owned or controlled by George Mason University for the most recent 60-day period.

An electronic version of the Daily Crime and Fire Log is posted on police.gmu.edu/crime-log-test within two business days of receiving a report.

Environmental Health and Safety News and Highlights: ehs.gmu.edu
The Environmental Health and Safety Office is committed to providing resources to the university community in order to sustain a healthful and safe working environment.

Email Messages to the Campus Community
Periodically email messages are sent from the Office of the President, Provost, or Vice Presidents to students, faculty, and staff regarding important topics related to student safety. As appropriate, emails sent to the campus community will be posted here and can be accessed through the drop down buttons below.

Email message from President Ángel Cabrera on September 7, 2016

Dear Patriots,

In the past four days, two Mason students in separate incidents reported that they were sexually assaulted. By now, you’ve received two notices of these sexual assaults along with important information about services and resources available on and off our campus. I know that receiving notice about a sexual assault that has occurred stops many of you in your tracks—it stops me, too. But as long as it continues to be a reality, we need to address it publicly, discuss it actively, and work together to eradicate it. Because it’s on all of us to end sexual violence.

It all starts by recognizing that any form of nonconsensual sex is sexual assault. These are acts of violence that leave deep, long-lasting scars. I know from the experience of so many students who have spoken out that victims of sexual assault suffer both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, these acts interrupt the learning process at a time when students are meant to experience the university as vibrant and invigorating.

Ending sexual violence also requires that all of us must commit to doing something when we see something: We cannot simply be bystanders. We must make it clear to all around us that nonconsensual sex is unacceptable. And when it happens, we must give victims all the respect and support they need—by, for example, never blaming the victim.

At the New Student Convocation, many of you heard me encourage you to take care of each other, to embrace your Mason community, and to make it stronger during your time here. I want to reiterate the importance of this message—one more time—particularly as it relates to sexual assault.

Mason aspires to be a well-being campus where we all can thrive together. That means becoming a campus free of sexual violence. We remain deeply committed to these goals, and we need everyone’s commitment to end the violence.

I ask for the participation of all in our community to create a culture of care, prevention, education, intervention, and responsibility. You will soon receive additional information from Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell about sexual assault prevention services available on campus, as well as upcoming programs of interest. Please take a moment to absorb the information, talk about it with your friends and colleagues, and pass it on.

Thanks, and take care of yourself and each other.

Sincerely,
Ángel Cabrera

Email message from Vice President Of University Life Rose Pascarell on September 8, 2016

Email subject: Support for Victims of Sexual Assault

Dear Patriots,

By now you should have all received a letter from President Ángel Cabrera about the recent sexual assaults on campus. I want you to know that Mason is committed to ensuring that students receive the help and support they need in times of crisis. Most importantly, I want to direct you to the resources on campus that are available for victims of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

The Student Support and Advocacy Center is a multifaceted office staffed with professionals who offer students one-on-one confidential support, interactive prevention and awareness programming, and on- and off-campus resources. Topic areas include healthy relationships, stress management, nutrition, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, drug and alcohol use, and sexual health. The center is located in Suite 3200 of SUB I, and the phone number is 703-993-3686. The 24-hour crisis hotline (703-380-1434) serves the Mason community seven days a week. Visit ssac.gmu.edu for additional information.

There are many ways that you can get involved and increase your understanding of sexual violence. You can start by taking the Mason Pledge to End Sexual Violence http://ulife.gmu.edu/pledges/. I also invite you to participate in the upcoming events, initiatives, and programs that will enable you to be engaged and action-oriented towards eradicating sexual assault on campus:

Fear to Freedom, September 20, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall— Fear to Freedom’s mission is twofold: To redeem and restore those wounded by sexual assault, bringing them hope and healing; and to change the cultural understanding surrounding this issue by empowering college students to “Be the Change” and “Restore the Joy.” Participants will assemble hundreds of “Fear 2 Freedom” after-care kits, which are essential elements to healing provided for those affected by sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. The kits assembled at Mason will be distributed to our own Student Health Services, Student Support and Advocacy Center, and local area hospitals in Fairfax and Prince William counties. For more information and to RSVP for this incredible program, visit: http://fear2freedom.onmason.com/.

Take back the Night Rally Against Sexual Assault, October 4, 7:00 pm, Johnson Center North Plaza—Take Back the Night is a nationally recognized march against domestic violence and sexual assault. The rally has been held annually at Mason for more than 20 years. Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies in collaboration with Student Government and the Student Support and Advocacy Center, this event gives students the opportunity to share their stories as well as participate in the march. Pizza will be served. Rain Location: SUB I Patriots Lounge.

Peer Advocate Training, October 15-16—The Volunteer Peer Advocate Program provides a unique opportunity for a select group of students to gain advanced advocacy, crisis intervention, and communication and leadership skills through this volunteer position within the Student Support and Advocacy Center. Advocates provide a range of services to address the needs of victims (as well as families/significant others) affected by sexual and/or relationship violence. Peer Advocates are trained in a variety of sexual violence-related topics and basic crisis intervention skills. If you are interested, please call the Student Support and Advocacy Center at 703-993-3686 for the application process.

Anyone Can Step Up Bystander Training—Learn the ways you and your friends and classmates can watch out for one another. AnyOne Can Step UP! is a bystander intervention training. You will learn strategies and techniques for interrupting troubling dynamics, and for directly and indirectly intervening when necessary. The program focuses on addressing a range of issues including academic integrity, alcohol abuse, anger, depression, discrimination, disordered eating, gambling, hazing, relationship abuse, and sexual assault. Student Support and Advocacy Center staff and certified students co-facilitate these interactive sessions. Please contact the center at 703-993-3686 if you are interested in this training. The training is offered to groups as requested.

If you have any questions or concerns related to support for you or a friend related to Sexual Assault, please see the listed resources:

Confidential Reporting Resources:
Student Support and Advocacy Center    703-993-3686
Counseling and Psychological Services   703-993-2380
Office of the Ombudsman                       703-993-3306
Student Health Services                            703-993-2831
Mason Korea Health Center                    + 82-32-620-0553

Non-Confidential Reporting Resources:
Mason Police                                             703-993-2810
Title IX Coordinator                                703-993-8730
Office of Student Conduct                         703-993-6209
Office of Housing and Residence Life      703-993-2720

Off-Campus Resources:
Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-838-8238
LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline   1- 866- 356-6998
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network                1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline                            1-800-799-7233

Eradicating sexual assault at George Mason University will take everyone’s help. I ask each of you to find a way to get involved and stand together. I know some of our students may worry that coming forward to report sexual violence on campus may put them at risk for student conduct violations, such as drinking alcohol or consuming drugs. Our policy grants amnesty to anyone who reports an incident of sexual assault or interpersonal violence, as well as the victims and witnesses involved.

George Mason University’s top priority is the safety and well-being of our students. It is on all of us to create an environment that is safe and free of sexual violence.

Thank you,

Rose Pascarell
Vice President for University Life