A new law sets standards for how Illinois colleges and universities should respond to complaints of sexual assault. It took effect this month, and requires each campus to establish policies for reporting, confidentiality, and resolving complaints.
Associate dean of students, Laura Schnack, says Augustana College has implemented most of these provisions already but did have make a few changes to comply with the new law - one is to provide a confidential advisor.
From now on, the confidential advisors will come from Safe Path, the program at Family Resources for sexual assault and domestic violence.
Schnack says new students at Augustana were required to complete an online program on sexual violence even before they arrived on campus.
Returning students will also have to complete an online reminder about campus policies and procedures.
According to the US Department of Education, 20 per cent of female undergraduates and 6 per cent of males will become victims of sexual assault.
