Campus Communication: From Our Administration

President Nichol and Vice President Sadler Announce the Website Launch!

February 2, 2007

A year ago we asked ourselves, ambitiously, “What would it take for William and Mary to become a model for how a community should educate its members about sexual assault, empower them to help prevent it, and best respond when it does occur?” With this website, we are taking an important step toward that goal.

Sexual assault impacts not only individuals, but also communities. For years the College has provided professional and peer-to-peer sexual assault education programs, a dedicated sexual assault response coordinator, comprehensive training for staff, a protocol for thorough and consistent response to reports of sexual assault, and medical and counseling services. What this site adds is a comprehensive source of information and help available 24 hours a day. Through technology we’ve worked to achieve something beyond what our traditional programs can offer — a source of information and help that can be accessed confidentially, wherever and whenever you need it most. And, while the resource is primarily designed for students, the site also contains important information and guidance for faculty, staff, and parents.

In addition to providing information and resources about sexual assault specifically, the site also features several innovative, interactive education modules that highlight strategies we all can use to enhance not only our personal relationships, but also the community of trust at William and Mary. Through dynamic quizzes, live polls, and video clips, this site explores such issues as communication, healthy relationships, the influence of alcohol, sexual decision-making, and intervening on behalf of others.

We view the site as a work in progress, a resource that will expand and change with our experience and with your comments. That’s why a feedback link is provided on the bottom of every page. We encourage you to use it. Above all, we hope this site will stimulate a broader campus discussion about how we as members of the William and Mary community want to relate to one another, individually and collectively.

Gene R. Nichol, President
W. Samuel Sadler, Vice President, Student Affairs