University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct

 
I am pleased to announce the formation of the University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct (the “UWC”), whose work will begin on July 1, 2011. The UWC will be chaired by Michael Della Rocca, the Andrew Downey Orrick Professor of Philosophy, and will benefit from his experience and leadership.  
 
Building upon the existing processes of the College and each of the Schools, the UWC is designed to address allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct of every kind, and will be available to all students and faculty across the University.  It will consist of students, faculty and administrative members drawn from throughout the University and will be staffed by a dedicated professional who will serve as fact finder. The UWC will play an essential role in improving the consistency and continuity of our procedures. We believe that this streamlining will make it simpler for students and faculty to initiate and pursue any complaint.
 
As we reported last semester, this Committee reflects substantial work by previous groups, including the Women Faculty Forum. I am most pleased by the diligent efforts of the WFF and two committees chaired by Professor Della Rocca in bringing this University-Wide Committee to fruition.  Yale must be a community that is supportive and safe, and does not tolerate sexual misconduct.  The new UWC will help to ensure these important results.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peter Salovey
Provost
Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology