Frequently Asked Questions

What are the job duties of a Confidential Advocate?

The Haven Confidential Advocate will provide information, support, advocacy, resources and referrals to students who have questions and/or need assistance with sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse/intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or gender-based discrimination.  This is a walk-in, confidential service provided to students at William & Mary by well-trained student volunteers.

The Haven Confidential Advocate is supervised in a variety of ways including peer supervision, The Haven Advisory Board, and the Director of The Haven.

Position Duties:

• Participate in up to 32 hours of advocate training per academic year
• Provide information to visitors about on and off campus resources related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse/intimate partner violence, and stalking
• Provide information to visitors about William & Mary’s sexual harassment and misconduct policies and procedures, including reporting and investigations, accommodations, and student’s rights and options
• Provide emergency information and resources regarding health and safety, including crisis response, criminal legal system options, safe housing, and access to health services for the prevention of STIs and pregnancy, and/or PERK exams
• Provide trauma-informed emotional support to survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse/intimate partner violence, and stalking
• Provide on and off campus referrals to support services
• Complete documentation as required by position

Qualifications/Expectations:

• Work 2-4 hours per week in The Haven
• Attend all training sessions
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries
• Value the diversity of William & Mary related to gender identity/expression, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, national origin, ability, religion, etc. The Haven strives to be an inclusive space for all students.

How much training is involved?

Volunteers are required to participate in 32 hours of training. The bulk of that mandatory training occurs the first weekend after classes start in the Fall. The other training is offered as continuing education sessions which occur throughout the academic year.

Is training mandatory?

Selected applicants MUST attend MANDATORY training in the Fall. Missing the mandatory training will automatically terminate your position as a Confidential Advocate.

When is training?

Mandatory training will be held the first weekend after Fall classes start. Generally, the training time is from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday. If you participate (or plan to participate) in Fraternity/Sorority Life, you will need to ask for permission well in advance to be excused from weekend activities that may conflict with The Haven mandatory training.

I'm a Freshman. Can I volunteer?

Freshman are eligible to apply in the Spring of their first year. If selected, their training and volunteering will start in the Fall of Sophomore year.

I'm an RA. Can I volunteer?

Students who are Resident Assistants (RAs) at W&M may not volunteer as a Confidential Advocate due to a conflict of interest. RAs are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct they learn about in their role, which may conflict with the role of Confidential Advocate.

I'm employed by the university. Can I volunteer?

Yes. At this time, the only student employee restricted from volunteering is a Resident Assistant due to the nature of that specific role. Other students who are employed by the university may volunteer but must follow the confidentiality policies while volunteering at The Haven AND must follow the reporting obligations when at work as an employee of the university.