WGAC: Annual Report 2021-22

Despite facing various challenges, WGAC has been actively working to overcome them and provide support to the CSU community.

One ongoing issue is the absence of meaningful peer-led consent education for incoming students, which will mark the third consecutive year without this crucial component during Ram Orientation. WGAC has also been facing three vacancies in programming, resulting in a redirection of staff efforts towards supporting advocacy and the unfortunate cancellation of most spring programming.

Student perceptions of the University's response to interpersonal violence (IPV) have raised concerns. Incidents of vandalism, where approximately a dozen VAT posters were vandalized in bathrooms, have amplified worries among students about reporting and the University's perceived lack of action. Additionally, the DoBetterCSU Instagram account has shed light on reports from survivors who feel unsupported by Title IX.

Further feedback regarding Title IX reveals the absence of formal hearings since before August 2020, causing confusion and frustration among students. Students have expressed difficulties reaching the Title IX physical office, with unanswered phones and closures during business hours. In one week alone, three survivors visited the physical office and two others contacted the main phone line without reaching anyone from Title IX. 

Another challenge arises from advocates no longer being copied on progress updates from Title IX, making it harder to track case progress and engage with survivors. This change has required survivors to explicitly request that advocates be copied, but many students are unaware of this option. Previously, advocates were automatically copied on communications, enabling them to provide support, monitor milestones and proactively reach out to survivors at crucial stages, aiding in retention.

Furthermore, confidential victim advocacy is no longer listed as a default resource on all form letters to impacted parties from Title IX. Instead, survivors have received form letters offering the Counseling Center as a resource for "navigating the Title IX process," overlooking the fact that advocates are exceptionally skilled in supporting individuals navigating the reporting process.

Significant delays persist between intake and adjudication, with one case remaining open for over 500 days, leading both students involved to leave CSU before resolution. Additionally, a case spent 147 days in Title IX while the student underwent the entire criminal legal system, from report to guilty verdict, highlighting delays in the initial investigation process at CSU.

Despite these challenges, WGAC remains committed to its mission of providing support, advocating for survivors and creating a safe and inclusive environment. The center strives to address systemic barriers and ameliorate oppression that may hinder survivors from accessing resources effectively.