This week, Student Forum met with special guest Jenn Lykins, Title IX deputy director, to discuss the efforts Union’s Title IX department is making to limit on-campus assault. Lykins presented data that had been collected from Union students in 2021 pertaining to sexual misconduct and assault, and ways the Title IX department plans to improve going forward. To limit assaults and misconduct, the department has taken on several initiatives including:

• Increased number of in-person training sessions 
• Up to U Bystander Intervention Program
• Additional blue lights and security cameras

Among many other things. The Title IX department will continue to learn from the data and implement new initiatives to keep students safe. 

The Title IX office wants all students to be aware of the resources they provide, so please email the Title IX office: [email protected] or Jenn: [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or ideas. 

For confidential resources on campus, reach out to: 

Wicker Wellness Center: (518) 388-6120

Eppler-Wolff Counseling Center: (518) 388-6161, 

Union College Sexual Assault Resource Hotline – 24/7: (518) 388-6600

For off-campus confidential resources:

Sexual Assault and Crime Victims (Planned Parenthood): (866) 307-4086

Schenectady County YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline: (518) 374-3386

Additionally, Student Forum once again brought up the topic of changing West Dining’s hours of operation. Nothing has changed as of this meeting, and it might be winter term before West’s hours change. Stay tuned for more updates!

Finally, Forum discussed the potential addition of more lawn chairs in the spring. Facilities responded, saying they would follow up in the future. 

I hope everyone has a very happy Halloween!

– Mariel 🙂

The above information was collected and compiled from the minutes of Student Forum’s meeting on 10/27/2023. It has been compiled for the benefit of the readers of the Concordiensis by Mariel Silpe ([email protected]), Secretary of Student Forum.