Members of the Task Force to Address Sexual Violence and Survivor Support stood for applause at Wednesday’s University Senate meeting.
Since July, members of the task force worked on its recommendations to the university regarding sexual violence procedures. During the meeting, members of the University Senate and audience asked questions about the report 20 Students Per Week.
The report was introduced at the senate’s Oct. 22 meeting, but discussion was held until Wednesday’s meeting when the final recommendations were presented. Since the release of its report, the task solicited input from the community both online and through a campus forum, Monday night.
During the discussion, audience members raised questions about the cost of the recommendations.
Carol Stabile, task force co-chair, suggested UO’s capital campaign as a potential source of funding. Stabile also addressed comments made to the task force about administrative “bloat.”
During the meeting, Rita Radostitz asked about the cost of creating a centralized office for sexual violence resources. The cost of a centralized office is not listed in the task force’s recommendations.
The task force intentionally didn’t attach a cost to the recommendation. Stabile emphasized the importance of creating a central position to deal with sexual violence.
“Unless you make it someone’s job, it’s not going to get done,” Stabile said.
Interim President Coltrane thanked the task force for its recommendations during his address to the senate.
“The task force recommendations will inform this comprehensive plan and our community-wide effort to improve campus safety and respect,” Coltrane said.
Coltrane agreed with the task force’s recommendations to coordinate prevention efforts and establish confidential reporting, but not all recommendations.
“Others’ recommendations are helpful, but suggest a different organizational structure or reporting relationship than I had envisioned,” Coltrane said.
Coltrane said that many of the task force’s timelines and deadlines do not fit current university planning.
The University Senate will meet again on Nov. 12 in Lawrence 115.