Students,

By now, I’m sure you’ve probably heard my feelings about May 5th Mifflin Street block party. Or seen the autotune or dubstep remixes.

My video debut wasn’t elegant, but I want you to know that I’ve spent the past week listening to your feedback about the event and how we approach it this year, and in the future. Today, I have a few final thoughts about it, and you’re free to agree or disagree with them. But I continue this conversation for one reason: As dean, I’m always concerned for your safety.

I continue to believe there are many better things you could do with your Saturday than spend it at an outdoor drinking party. If you need inspiration, head to the lakes, go to the farmers’ market or take a look at our campus events calendar: <http://today.wisc.edu/events/day/2012-05-05>

I also understand that some students plan to attend the event, and I respect your right to decide. By this point, I think you’re aware of the risks involved, particularly after last year’s serious issues. My goal is to see you stay safe while you’re here and then go out and do great things in the world.

I’d ask you to observe the city’s rules of the event and listen to police and city officials. As you know, you could be liable for fines and my office will review your conduct should you be cited. You can find more information about how to stay safe here: <http://safeu.wisc.edu/protect/halloween-mifflin.html>

Lastly, I’d ask you to honor everyone’s right to live and feel safe in the Madison community, including fellow students and campus neighbors. Mixing Mifflin with ethnic stereotypes related to Cinco de Mayo isn’t funny, and is actually offensive to many members of our campus community. Before you go out this weekend, ask yourself: By combining this event with Cinco de Mayo, are you honoring a culture, or are you reinforcing cultural stereotypes?

Please look out for your friends and fellow students. Take care of one another this weekend and through the rest of this semester.

Thanks for listening,

Lori Berquam
Dean of Students

By now, I’m sure that you are all familiar with the disturbing allegations regarding sexual assault that have arisen at other campuses across the country. While those incidents will be played out in the media and the judicial system, we as educators and students need to discuss how we must respond when such allegations arise. UW-Madison is a learning community, and the right for all people to feel safe on campus is fundamental to our community. Each of us has a responsibility, both ethical and legal, to uphold the safety and well-being of our campus.

To put it more plainly: If you see something, say something. In many cases, a failure to report has more than just moral implications; by allowing improper conduct to go unreported, you may put the safety of the victim and the stature of our institution at risk. The U.S. Department of Education and the courts have made it clear that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 offers all of us protection from sexual harassment or sexual violence in our educational programs or activities.

And when it comes to children and suspicion of child sexual abuse, the law is very clear, and the university requires members of its community — faculty, staff and students — to report any suspected incidents. We are reinforcing the reporting process with units that interact with children.

Violations or concerns about possible violations of Title IX and/or the university’s discrimination policies — even if they don’t rise to the level of criminal behavior — should be immediately reported to the Office of Equity and Diversity at <http://www.oed.wisc.edu> or 608- 263-2378, or to the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay Service, 7-1-1.

The following resources are available to the UW community to bring issues and concerns to the attention of the university and/or law enforcement:
-Emergencies: 911
-UW Police Department: 608-264-2677 (264-COPS)
-Madison Police Department: 608-261-9694
-UW-Madison Safety Website: <http://safeu.wisc.edu>. SafeU provides links to campus safety resources, as well as copies of the Campus Safety Report.
-Dean of Students Office: 608-263-5700
-Employee Assistance Office: 608-263-2987.
-UHS 24-Hour Crisis Line: 608-265-5600. This number can be used both by those suffering from stress or mental health issues and by those who believe that someone they know may need help.

These reports will be evaluated, and the proper intervention and assistance will be offered to individuals as needed, with the utmost respect for the privacy and legal rights of all those involved.

Again, if you see something, say something. The resources identified above are available to assist you. UW-Madison takes allegations of illegal or unethical behavior seriously. Allegations brought to the university’s attention will be reviewed, and appropriate follow-up action will be taken.

Thank you for your time and attention. By working together, we can help to keep all members of our community safe.

On, Wisconsin!

Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students
Division of Student Life

• Choose a costume that does not completely obscure your identity. By ensuring that you and your friends can recognize each other, you can help watch out for each other.
• When choosing a costume, please remember to be respectful of our collective community.  Choose a costume that does not seem degrading or offensive to others.  Often times, costumes can be seen as offensive to individuals who identify with a race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or religion that is different from your own. Remember that the intention behind your costume could affect and impact others in a number of ways.  Ask yourself “What message could this costume convey to others?” and “How can represent myself, as a Badger and as a person, in a less offensive manner?” Please be conscious of this as you select a costume for Halloween this year.
• If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, do so in an environment that is controlled, and stay in contact with your friends. Badgers are not bystanders. Watch out for your friends, and establish the expectation that they will do the same.
• If you or your friends are in a dangerous situation, contact the police. The recently adopted Responsible Action Guidelines state that student safety is the main concern of University officials, and that a cooperative witness or victim will not have sanctions placed upon them for use of alcohol unless there are aggravating factors.
• Cooperate with police direction. This could range from avoiding certain parts of State Street so they can be granted emergency access up to a situation in which you may face a citation. If MPD issues an underage drinking ticket, the fine is $177. The quickest route from that amount to a $429 disorderly conduct ticket is by being disrespectful to a police officer.

As always, watch out for each other. Enjoy Halloween weekend and hit the books on Sunday.

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Dear Students,

This afternoon a troubling communication was brought to my attention that involves a threat to our diversity efforts. I invite you to an urgent meeting this evening at 8:00 in the MSC Lounge in the Red Gym to discuss this matter. While last minute, I urge you to participate so we can be in community regarding our response.

Sincerely,

Damon A. Williams, PhD
Vice Provost & Chief Diversity Officer
Division of Diversity & Campus Climate

As you begin a new school year, you’ll notice that life on the UW-Madison campus exists beyond the classroom. Our campus boasts a vibrant social scene, rife with different ways to have fun with your friends. These opportunities are not free of hazards. Many students find that college is the first time that they encounter use and misuse of alcohol by their peers.

The university does not support or condone the misuse of alcohol by any of its students. Too frequently we personally encounter students whose choices while drinking create problems for themselves and others, frequently involving the police. These choices result in harm done to themselves or others. We don’t want this to happen to any member of our community.

In an effort to counteract the damaging effects of alcohol misuse, the campus has adopted several new programs and policies starting this year.

-  Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students, or BASICS, is a program designed to help college students make healthier choices regarding alcohol use. Beginning this fall, students who commit alcohol-related violations of university policy will likely be required to attend a series of two BASICS classes. BASICS has been used on other campuses and has a proven track record of helping students.  BASICS comes in two forms: a group class with 8 to 12 other students, conducted in two 90-minute sessions; or two one-on-one sessions with a professional substance abuse counselor. Students may be instructed to attend one or the other, depending on their nature of their violation and whether or not this is a first offense. Students will be required to pay for any BASICS class they are required to attend: $78 for the group class and $200 for the one-on-one sessions.

- The university has adopted a series of Responsible Action Guidelines to help students make wise decisions when dangerous, alcohol-related situations arise. If you or a friend are the victim of an alcohol-related crime or are in need of medical attention, the main concern of emergency responders will be the safety of our students. A student who calls on behalf of someone in need of medical attention, remains with that person, and fully cooperates with police will not be subject to disciplinary action under the UW System Code of Conduct, sanctions from university Housing, or citation by UW-Madison police for personal consumption of alcohol, including underage drinking unless there are mitigating circumstances. In addition, victims of violent crimes or sexual assault (and witnesses) will not be subject to university sanctions for use of alcohol.

More information about these and other policies can be found at http://students.wisc.edu/alcohol_facts/.

Alcohol-related crime and dangerous misuse are serious problems on our campus. The university is doing what it can to help students make healthy decisions, but we cannot make those decisions for you. Please be safe this year, and help out your friends in need. Badgers are not bystanders. We look forward to seeing you around campus.

Lori M. Berquam

Dean of Students

Division of Student Life

Dr. Sarah Van Orman

Executive Director

University Health Services

Whether you are a faculty member, academic staff member or teaching assistant, we all share a bond as Badgers because we are part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison community. Maintaining the safety of that community is everyone’s responsibility.

In your interactions with students, you may directly encounter troubled or disruptive students in your classroom, office or work area. You may be the first to learn of an emotional or mental health issue, including suicidal references, the effects of a sexual assault or other crimes. You may confront insensitive or inappropriate remarks. In rare instances, you may even encounter dangerous or disruptive behavior.

In all of these cases, you can play a positive role in helping students access resources or receive assistance and, ultimately, to be successful at UW-Madison.

Please consider the following information:

– Should a student exhibit dangerous, disruptive or suicidal behavior and physical safety is of immediate concern, call the UW Police Department. The 911 emergency number on campus connects directly to campus police (it is notnecessary to dial 9-911 from campus phones, although both numbers will work).

– Students sometimes express issues through behavior especially observable to their instructors: sudden prolonged absences or a sharp decrease in class performance, for instance. Any time you are worried about a student or witness an observable change of behavior, I trust you will act with concern. “Acting with concern” may include discussing your unease with a colleague or your department chair/supervisor, contacting my staff, talking to the student you are concerned about or calling 911 in an urgent situation.

– If a student seems to be having mental health issues, is homesick, sad or troubled, please refer them to UHS Counseling and Consultation Services at 608-265-5600.

– UW-Madison has never allowed weapons on campus. However, as a result of a recent change in state law, beginning in November, officially permitted concealed carry of weapons will be allowed throughout the state, including oncampus grounds. The law provides that the university may continue to ban firearms and other weapons in its buildings and at campus events. The university is in the process of creating signage to clearly inform everyone that firearms and weapons are not allowed in any campus buildings or at such events. We will provide more information on this important topic early in the semester.

– Some disruptive behavior, such as yelling or inappropriate language, can be dealt with informally by speaking directly with a student and setting clear expectations for conduct.

– If you observe inappropriate or demeaning behavior, please confront it! You can also contact my office and speak with Assistant Dean Kipp Cox who can be a resource if needed. He can be reached by calling 608-263-5700 or at ecox@studentlife.wisc.edu. Part of our campus focus on inclusivity requires you to confront students when their actions are disrespectful or harmful to their peers. Your care and concern is important in keeping our community safe.

– UW-Madison has a history of setting high expectations for its students. Among these expectations is a high standard of academic integrity. Assistant Dean Tonya Schmidt, tschmidt@studentlife.wisc.edu, works with cases of academic misconduct and is available as a resource in case you need assistance working with students who potentially violated academic standards.

– This past year, many units on campus came together to assess the problem of alcohol at our university. For a listing of policies and resources related to alcohol use on campus, please visit http://students.wisc.edu/alcohol_facts.

– Please stay in touch. My staff can give guidance on respecting student privacy under FERPA, handling an escalating case, dealing with academic integrity or any other assistance you require.

In any case in which you have a question or are seeking consultation, I would urge you to use my staff as a resource by calling 608-263-5700 and asking for the dean-on-call. You can also send an email to dean@studentlife.wisc.edu. I consider us to be partners in helping all our students be successful while on campus!

Thank you,

Lori M. Berquam

Dean of Students

Division of Student Life

Dear Students,

Welcome back! The beginning of the year is an ideal time to reflect on your decision to come to the UW – to think about why you’re here, what you hope to learn, and the best way to achieve that. With those goals in mind, I’d like to give you some thoughts and information on the many opportunities available to you.

I acknowledge that this email is lengthy, but I think that as a UW-Madison student, you’re up to the task! However, if there is one thing you read before closing the window, I hope it’s this: safety is everyone’s concern. Please visit http://www.safeu.wisc.edu to learn more about how to stay safe both on and off campus.

This is the first of many times I hope to connect with you throughout the course of the year. I invite all of you to follow me on Twitter (@LoriBerquam) and ‘like’ the Division of Student Life on Facebook.

What legacy will you leave at the UW? Why did you come here, and what do you want to leave here knowing? With those questions in mind, I’d like to offer some thoughts on how to approach this year in a way that will help you meet your goals and preserve and enrich the legacy that generations of Badgers have set for you.

Your Wisconsin Experience

The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to set your priorities for the next eight months. As you do this, I hope you’ll consider engaging in the Wisconsin Experience. By exploring new ways to learn outside of the classroom, thousands of alumni have propelled our university to the top of global rankings in research, leadership, and volunteerism. I hope that you’ll continue that legacy by studying abroad, performing original research, and engaging and leading others in as many ways as possible..

Your Legacy

UW-Madison boasts more than 300,000 living alumni. These Badgers are proud of where they came from and look to you to carry on their strong legacy of innovative thinking and good old fashioned hard work.

Leaving a positive legacy means more than going to class and cheering in Camp Randall. You have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, learn about new cultures, and test new ideas. UW alumni are like tempered steel – tested in the fires of our classrooms, and proven to be strong enough to withstand the challenges that life throws at them.

The Wisconsin Idea

The Wisconsin Idea is our university’s guiding principle. It states that the mission of the university does not stop at the edges of campus, but extends to the borders of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. For more than 100 years, our students, faculty, and staff have worked to improve the lives of all people, constantly striving to create new knowledge with real-world applications.

We encourage all students to actively seek out ways to contribute to the Wisconsin Idea. As a research one institution, we offer undergraduate research opportunities of extraordinary breadth and depth in fields spanning from the classics to biotechnology. As you enter the classroom this semester, question old assumptions and explore new ways of thinking. It is, after all, through ‘continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.’

Respect

The UW aims to educate globally-sensitive and culturally competent individuals. As a student, you have the opportunity to expand your understanding of various cultures and live, work, and build community with people from all backgrounds.

Our university is not immune from instances of intolerance. You may have received an email from the Associated Students of Madison detailing an incident, but the lesson bears repeating. On the evening of June 8th, a life-size black figure was hung from the balcony at a nearby, student-occupied house. Despite the lack of malicious intentions of the students who carried out this act, the image of the figure hanging by its neck was disturbing to many individuals on campus. This incident sparked a renewed call for action in combating intolerance and making our campus a safe and inclusive space.

I encourage you to educate and involve yourself in discussions focused on inclusivity. Get involved in a student org or group that challenges you to combat damaging assumptions. There are many avenues to go about this. The Division of Student Life is home to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Campus Center, the Multicultural Student Center, the McBurney Disability Resource Center, and International Student Services. In addition, you can enroll in a dialogue-based course such as Intercultural Dialogues (Sociology 496) and the Seeking Equality and Educational Diversity Seminar (Counseling Psychology 325).I hope you’ll take advantage of these opportunities and join your fellow students, faculty, and staff in improving the climate on our campus.

Integrity

Part of being a Badger requires celebrating our collective achievements. Whether at the Kohl Center cheering on Badgers Basketball, the Alliant Energy Center rooting for our national-champion Women’s Hockey team, or at Camp Randall pushing for another victory over our Big Ten rivals, it is important to  act in a positive way that will reflect well on the image of our university. Every year, my office fields calls and emails from community members complaining about students doing things not fit for print. Demonstrate your pride as a Badger by being respectful and responsible.  Badgers take care of each other – please watch out for yourself, your friends, and the community.

Beyond safety concerns, it’s important to value the spaces that we all live and work in. Our campus and community are beautiful; many buildings have their own rich histories, and others are newly-constructed, ready to be filled with memories and ideas. At libraries, in the lab, and on the street, please be respectful of our community’s property.

Pride in our institution is also reflected in the classroom. Academic integrity is a core value of higher education. The basics of academic integrity are simple: be honest in your work and give credit where credit is due. Different departments on campus have different policies relating to citation of sources, working as groups, and the use of resources on tests and quizzes. If you have a question about the policies in your classes, the best resources are your syllabus, your professor, and the department. As a Badger, you are expected to credit sources, act with honesty during tests and exams, and do the work that is assigned to you. By doing this, you ensure the quality of your education and the quality of a UW degree.

I invite you to explore the opportunities that are available to you as you pursue your education. Ask questions, get involved, become a scholar. You never know when a professor may need an undergraduate researcher, or if your department might be hosting a conference where you can hear some of the best minds in your field present on their new ideas.

Thanks for taking the time to read this message. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at student org functions, at sporting events, and on the streets of our campus. –Oh – and remember to follow me on Twitter!

On, Wisconsin!

Lori M. Berquam

@LoriBerquam

Dean of Students

Division of Student Life

While we have been told by the students involved that this act was the result of poor judgment, rather than targeted oppression, the impact has rippled across our campus community.

Regardless of the intent, it symbolized a lynching — an act that is historically rooted in hate and oppression. The consequence of this seemingly harmless “joke” has left some students, staff and faculty feeling appalled and shocked.

We are first, last and always an educational institution. We are concerned about the effectiveness of our educational environment in helping students to understand, appreciate and celebrate our differences and to be sensitive to symbols of racism and oppression.

We ask that everyone play a role in the learning that should — and needs to — follow this incident. It is simply not enough to talk about respect, civility and awareness. Each of us has much to learn about what it means to be an active player in creating a safe environment for all.

We also do not want to engage in a cyclical pattern of negative events, followed by meaningful dialogues, and then return to business as usual. We are committed to looking at the issues raised by this incident and to making progress. Ever since this incident came to light, many of us have been immersed in conversations with students, faculty and staff who all feel similarly: we must do more to ensure a supportive and safe environment for each member of our community.

Incidents of this kind happen far too often, and we have to do more to help each member of our campus community understand the unintended implications of their actions and the power of symbols.

The chancellor and members of our administrative leadership team are committed to creating this type of educational environment, as are many of our faculty colleagues across campus.

The challenge is for us to find a more deliberate and effective approach to doing so, or to get students, and other members of our community, involved in learning opportunities such as Student SEED, the Intercultural Dialogue Program, many of the courses that fulfill the ethnic studies requirement, the Theatre for Social and Cultural Awareness, events put forward by the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives, Institute for Social Justice and Transformative Leadership, and others.

If anyone within our campus community feels threatened or unsafe as a result of this incident, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean of Students Office at 608-263-5700 and ask for a dean on call. University Health Services Counseling & Consultation Services at 608-265-5600 or the Multicultural Student Center at 608-262-4503 are also resources for addressing how this event has impacted us.”