Symplicity Blog

• Higher ed / Title ix

An independent research group funded by the Ontario government has recently released a report titled “The Response to Sexual Violence at Ontario University Campuses”. This report highlighted what the investigators believed contributed to challenges for colleges and universities in Ontario, Canada in preventing sexual assault on their campuses and establishing fair and supportive adjudication processes. These findings include a recommendation for Ontario higher education institutions to urgently act on improving the support for identified victims and protecting other students from facing similar trauma.

• Higher ed / Title ix

It’s an undisputed reality that the majority of sexual assaults that occur on college campuses involve alcohol. In most cases, either the assailant has consumed alcohol, the victim has, or both. The results of any sexual assault on campus are devastating to a campus community, and preventing alcohol abuse on campus could have a huge impact on the prevalence of sexual assault overall.

• Higher ed

One of the most difficult parts of a student affairs professional’s job is addressing student infractions. While college is a time of experimentation and exploration, higher education professionals are responsible for maintaining boundaries that keep students (and the campus community) safe and focused. When student conduct violates your policies, it’s critical to apply consequences fairly and do whatever you can to redirect that student’s behavior. Often, one infraction and trip to the Dean of Student’s office is enough to get a student back on the right track. Sometimes, however, there are deeper issues at play. How do you know when an infraction is a symptom of a larger issue that needs to be addressed?

• Tips & tricks / Insight / Higher ed

Insight Tips & Tricks: "Working the Nuances of the Appointments Module"

• Higher ed

Campus security and student conduct personnel are most likely already aware that the Department of Education released an updated edition of The Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting on June 23rd. However, with a full 265 pages of critical information, some administrators may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start in the process of reviewing the handbook.

• Higher ed

Taking a study abroad opportunity is one of the best moves a student can make to foster their personal and intellectual growth. That being said, they will often need some guidance in preparing for their trips, making a game plan and developing goals for themselves. Below are three questions students should be able to answer before they depart for their overseas adventures.

• Higher ed

As a great academic advisor, you don’t take summers off. While the students are away, you build up your skillset and come up with new strategies to ensure that you can provide the best support possible and ensure that your students graduate on time. You recognize that your job is not just advising your students on how to meet their prerequisites; your calling is to provide support. So while the students are away and you are considering hitting the beach or just sitting on your porch enjoying the summer weather, consider reading these three books.