Emergencies. They happen to everyone, and while many emergencies can be resolved without outside help, some of them cannot. Utah Valley University possesses a wide array of resources for students that find themselves in a crisis, such as the Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) and Title IX. College can be a turbulent time for many students, and while UVU is a safe space for students to learn and grow, situations can happen, and sometimes students do not know who to turn to.
The UVU Review contacted Ashley Larson, the Deputy Dean of Students who oversees student discipline and safety, and interviewed her regarding student resources, and her job as deputy dean. Larson has been a vital part of the university for seventeen years and has contributed greatly to the well-being of students, “My responsibilities are split up into special projects, and those primarily revolve around student safety initiatives, student well-being initiatives, doing policy work for our area (student conduct). I helped write policy 162, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination.” Larson spends most of her time chairing the Behavior Assessment Team, a congress-mandated organization dedicated to preventing violence on campus. The organization reads reports submitted by students and faculty about suspicious behavior and they determine if the perpetrator is someone to be concerned about.
The Equity and Title IX Office
Violence prevention isn’t the only vital resource provided on campus, however. While interviewing Larson, she highlighted the importance of Title IX, a very key resource available to students who find themselves in another but equally dangerous type of situation. The UVU Equity and Title IX Offices are dedicated to helping students who face discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment is a sensitive matter that can often go undisclosed when students are unable to find the resources necessary to deal with the situation appropriately.
The Equity and Title IX Office provides help to students who have been victims of sexual harassment. Additionally, the office can also provide training and additional resources to students. Those who wish to know more about what defines sexual harassment and how to best report it can do so through Title IX’s page on the UVU website. Any student who needs to report an incident can do so by contacting the Title IX’s Office, either by phone, email, or just by walking in. UVU Faculty is required to take these training courses every year, and these courses can be accessed by students through the Title IX Office.
Students are never alone when it comes to dealing with a crisis, especially crises that can often go undiscussed when students don’t know where to turn. “I hate it when students get told no, or I don’t know how to help you. That is my biggest pet peeve, and it really benefits my regular duties because I help students navigate sometimes really hard situations, sometimes really scary or complex, or they just don’t know where to go or they’re just naïve. That’s my biggest goal, is that students know their rights, they know policy, and that I help educate them.” When it comes to finding help, Larson encourages students to not take no for an answer, because there are always options open for them.
We at the Review encourage students to take full advantage of the resources provided here. They are here for students, and they are meant to benefit students who need help, because we all need help, and faculty members like Ashley Larson are there to provide it.
University Resources:
Equity and Title IX: titleix@uvu.edu, 801-863-7999, office located in BA 203.
Behavioral Assessment Team(BAT): deanofstudents@uvu.edu, 801-863-8665
UVU Police: police@uvu.edu, 801-863-5555, office located at GT 331(Victim Services can also be reached here).
Additional safety resources can be found on UVU’s website at https://www.uvu.edu/studentcare/safety/index.html
