In an effort to reduce the risk of gender discrimination, and sexual misconduct such as sexual harassment and sexual violence, including the crimes of rape, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence occurring among students and employees, Michigan Tech utilizes a range of campaigns, strategies, and initiatives to promote awareness, education, risk reduction, and prevention programming and training.
Programs and campaigns offered throughout the year include strong messages regarding not just awareness, but also primary prevention, bystander intervention, and discussions concerning institutional policies on sexual and/or relationship misconduct and sex/gender discrimination. Programs also offer information on risk reduction that strives to empower victims, how to recognize warning signals and how to avoid potential attacks, and do so without victim-blaming approaches. Examples of training that take place at Michigan Tech are the Master Student-Athlete course for all new student-athletes and the Life @ Michigan Tech class for all new International students. All first-year students attend an in-person sexual assault prevention training program.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Below you will find events offered this month by both SAVE and Copper Shores Community Support & Outreach.
Teal Ribbons for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Date: Month of April
Description: During the Month of April there will be Teal Ribbons displayed throughout campus.
Teal has become the signature color for sexual assault awareness and wearing a teal
ribbon symbolizes supporting survivors of sexual violence. These ribbons are meant
to create conversation on campus about how we can create a community in which all
members feel safe and supported.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Day of Action
Date: April
Description: Michigan Tech Title IX and the student organization Sexual Assault & Violence Education
invite you to wear teal for the annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action with The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, a non profit devoted to serving
survivors of sexual violence. Help turn social media teal — the color of sexual assault
awareness and prevention — by sharing a teal selfie using #SAAM to show support for
survivors. Tag @MichiganTechSpeakUp on Instagram or Facebook and let us know why you chose to wear teal! Teal ribbons, t-shirts, nails, hair,
makeup, jewelry, ties, and other accessories have been popular items worn in the past.
You can also take the It's On Us pledge and share your pledge through social media. Sample post: Today is the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action, and I'm wearing teal to show my support for survivors. #SAAM #MichiganTechSpeakUp
Cover the Cruiser at Spring Fling
Date: April
Description: During Spring Fling, Public Safety and Police Services along with the student organizations
SAVE and Triangle will be covering a Michigan Tech police cruiser with sticky notes
to show support for survivors for sexual and domestic violence. Show your support
and stop by to help cover the cruiser, show your support for survivors, help us to
prevent violence, AND get your FREE travel coffee mug while they last!
Puppy Parade for Awareness
Date: April
Description: Sign up here! Walks are a great family activity! Come walk with us to support survivors of sexual
assault and abuse. If you need help, call 800-562-7622, text 906-356-3337, or chat
@ https://dialhelp.org
Denim Day
Date: April
Description: Michigan Tech Title IX invites you to proudly wear denim with a purpose for International
Denim Day to support survivors and educate our community about the forms of sexual
violence as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram (@MichiganTechSpeakUp) in a post to social media with a photo of yourself
wearing denim and tell us why you chose to wear denim for #DenimDay.
Denim Day was founded after a 1999 Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. Enraged by the verdict, within hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into action and protested by wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court.
Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, organized the country’s first Denim Day event in 1999. You can find more information about Denim Day at https://www.denimdayinfo.org/.
Vector Online Training
Michigan Tech is a member of the Campus Prevention Network through Vector. Vector Training is a required educational program for all Michigan Tech employees and all incoming first-year, transfer and graduate students . For students, the training is assigned during new student orientation and throughout an incoming student's first semester. At the recommendation of the US Department of Education, Michigan Tech requires this online course on anti-harassment, discrimination and retaliation for employees. This course also satisfies the federal requirement for training mandated by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Title IX. If you would like access to a Vector training course, please contact Title IX or email titleix@mtu.edu.
If you are visually impaired, please work through your assigned Vector course with the Accessibility Mode turned on, along with a screen reader. The courses work together with a screen reader to allow a user to participate in the interactive training and work through the modules completely and successfully.
Title IX Presentations and Workshops Available
Bringing in the Bystander is a peer-to-peer training program that began in the Fall of 2019. This training offers a 90 minute or 4.5 hour interactive workshop that allows students to practice their skills in bystander intervention and an opportunity to learn more about the dynamics of sexual and intimate partner violence. Click here to request a workshop.
The Escalation Workshop is a film-based discussion that opens people’s eyes to the warning signs of relationship abuse. The workshop consists of a film, Escalation, followed by a guided discussion led by a pair of trained facilitators. Student feedback has been excellent and the workshop has been recommended for all students. For more information about One Love, visit joinonelove.org/. To schedule a One Love workshop, please contact:
Laura Putwen
Coordinator of Academic and Community Conduct
Administration Bldg. 309
Email: lcputwen@mtu.edu
Telephone: 487-2951
Updates & News
We have updated our "It's On Us" video. You can read more about the campaign on the "It's On Us" website.
Title IX Events
Archives
2020 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Michigan Tech is planning to host virtual events educate the campus community t o prevent sexual violence. With any questions about these events, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@mtu.edu. The following events are available to students, staff and faculty:
- End Rape on Campus and It's on Us Zoom University - For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, End Rape On Campus and It’s On Us have partnered together to bring you Zoom University: A Self-Care Survivor Series,
a virtual course collection of webinars, workshops and more for students and survivors
throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join them next week for:
- Sexual Assault Awareness Train the Trainer Workshop - Monday, April 6, 2020 @ 2 p.m. ET
- Bystander Education Train the Trainer Workshop - Tuesday, April 7, 2020 @ 2 p.m. ET
- Survivor Support Train the Trainer Workshop - Wednesday, April 8, 2020 @ 2 p.m. ET
- Online Dating Violence Train the Trainer Workshop - Thursday, April 9, 2020 @ 2 p.m. ET
- ‘I feel like sh!t’ and Social Distancing Isn’t Helping - Thursday, April 16, 2020 @ 5 p.m. ET
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on Tuesday, April 7 - Help turn social media teal — the color of sexual assault awareness and prevention — on April 7 by sharing a teal selfie using #SAAM. Teal ribbons, t-shirts, nails, hair, makeup, jewelry, ties, and other accessories have been popular items worn in the past. You can also take the It's On Us pledge and share your pledge through social media. Sample post: Today is the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action, and I'm wearing teal to show my support for survivors. #SAAM #IAsk
- Dial Help Virtual TEAL Survivor Support Group on Tuesday, April 7 - Dial Help, Inc. is hosting a virtual TEAL Survivor Support Group at 7 p.m. on April 7, 2020 through Zoom. Contact Paige to join at (906)482-9077 or psetter-hallwachs@dialhelp.org. TEAL is a free, safe, and non-judgmental community support group for anyone who experienced sexual violence past or present, including childhood abuse. Funded by the Division of Victim Services.
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RAINN Checks for RAINN Day on April 14 - The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) is holding their annual RAINN Day on April 14, 2020. On April 14, Dial Help, Inc. and Michigan Tech Title IX are teaming up to host two Zoom meetings:
In these Zoom meetings, we will discuss self care, violence prevention and services available. Each session will hold space for questions from the audience.
- Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29 - Michigan Tech Title IX invites you to wear denim with a purpose on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 for International Denim Day to support survivors and educate our community about the forms of sexual violence. Denim Day was founded after a 1999 Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. Enraged by the verdict, within hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into action and protested by wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, organized the country’s first Denim Day event in 1999. Please join us in wearing denim proudly on April 29.
2019 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events
Michigan Tech Title IX and Institutional Equity are working with the student organizations Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) and Society of African American Men (SAAM) to plan events to promote awareness and prevention of intimate partner violence during the month of October.
Below is a listing of events happening throughout the month of October:
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6th Annual "Ride Against Abuse" - on Monday, October 7, 2019 beginning at 6 p.m. The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter holds this event annually to create an awareness of Domestic Violence. The motorcycle ride will start in Calumet, follow M-26 through Lake Linden, Hancock, and Houghton, and end at the Chutes and Ladders parking lot. Please feel free to participate in the ride or line up along the route to show your support! Please see the event poster for more information, or follow the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home on Facebook for other events and programming opportunities.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Panel—7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, EERC 103. The Domestic Violence Awareness Panel will provide the latest data on domestic violence, the signs of healthy, and unhealthy relationships, the resources available to survivors, how incidents of intimate partner violence may be handled through the Sexual and/or Relationship Misconduct Policy and the judicial system, and ways to support survivors of intimate partner violence.
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#PurpleThursday — all day Thursday, Oct. 24, campus wide. Join Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) in wearing purple on #PurpleThursday to take a stand against relationship violence and show support for survivors of intimate partner violence. Purple is the color for domestic violence awareness. Take a photo and share on social media with #PurpleThursday. Consider why raising awareness about domestic violence is important to you. #PurpleThursday is an event from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
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Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® at Michigan Tech—6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. The student organizations Sexual Assault and Violence Education(SAVE) and the Society of African American Men (SAAM), are hosting Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® at Michigan Tech. The event will begin with an opening welcome and stories from survivors of intimate partner violence. Then, the walk will start outside of the Rozsa near the front entrance and go to the Admin building. The walk will end at the entrance of the Rozsa. This event is to raise awareness of sexual and relationship violence and to give men the opportunity to put themselves in "her shoes." Men will be encouraged to wear high heels during the walk. Following the walk, the event will conclude with a discussion on intimate partner violence. For more information visit the website, licensed by Frank Baird and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®
BKG Office Hours at Canterbury House Spring 2019
The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home will have an advocate available for anyone who has questions or concerns about a dating/domestic relationship. The advocate knows about issues relating to Dating/Domestic Violence and can discuss abusive behaviors, warning signs, and safety planning. If you have any questions, contact BKG at 906-337-5623.
When: Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Canterbury House
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
The following events were held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM):
- OneLove Escalation Workshop held on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B
- During Spring Fling on Friday, April 19, there was an "It's On Us" banner signing
- On Thursday, April 25 there was a "Helpful Acts Board" where people were able to write down how they had provided help to others or how they had been helped by others.
"On the Basis of Sex" movie showing for SAAM
April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The first event in recognition of this month was the showing of the movie "On the Basis of Sex" on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. in Fisher 135. Admission and concessions were free.
Teal Takeover on Wednesday, September 19
September 19 is the fourth anniversary of It's On Us. Order of Omega is raising awareness for It's On Us and supporting survivors by hosting a TEAL TAKEOVER. Order of Omega will be handing out teal ribbons from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library. Wear teal that day to show your support.
5th Annual "Ride Against Abuse" on Monday, October 1, 2018 beginning at 6 p.m.
The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter holds this event annually to create an awareness of Domestic Violence. The motorcycle ride will start in Calumet, follow M-26 through Lake Linden, Hancock, and Houghton, and end at the Chutes and Ladders parking lot. Please feel free to participate in the ride or line up along the route to show your support! Please see the event poster for more information, or follow the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home on Facebook for other events and programming opportunities.
Michigan Tech representatives attending the 4th Annual Let's End Sexual Assault Summit
The summit takes place on Monday, September 24 at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. The mission stated on the Let's End Campus Sexual Assault website states,
"Campus sexual assault has been a long standing and often overlooked problem both in Michigan and across the country. Many believe sexual assault won't happen to them, to someone they know or be committed by someone they know. It is common to think sexual assault isn't happening where I am, when in reality it can happen to anyone. The “Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” initiative brings together university officials, students, law enforcement, stakeholders and legislators for a discussion on how we can inform students, empower survivors and bystanders, and prevent sexual assault on campuses."
Crisis Intervention Training was held on Saturday, June 30
Dial Help was at the Portage Lake District Library and conducted a training to teach how to support someone in crisis.
Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force took place on Thursday, January 25, 2018
The recently re-established Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force (UPHTTF) teamed with the Department of Justice and Michigan State Police to bring Human Trafficking Community Awareness to the UP during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking occurs anywhere there is vulnerability and hides in plain sight. Faculty, staff, students and community members were invited to an open session from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2018 in MUB Ballroom B.
MCEDSV Training and Presentations took place on Wednesday, August 23, 2017
The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) came to campus on Wednesday, August 23. There was an "Open Campus Session" from 4 - 5 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge.
Crisis Intervention Training took place on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Portage Lake District Library
Please call Dial Help at 906-482-9077 to register.
President Trump's administration recently rescinded a "Dear Colleague Letter" that had been issued by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education last year regarding the inclusion of transgender students in schools. Much of the attention on the previous "Dear Colleague Letter" focused on restroom usage, but the document included far-reaching guidance to make sure transgender students are fully included and welcomed at their schools, colleges, and universities.
It is important to know that Michigan Tech’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all employees and students, regardless of their gender identity or expression, is unwavering.
We have and will continue to work together as a community to create an inclusive and welcoming environment through initiatives including all gender bathrooms, open housing, discussions on inclusion in the classrooms and labs, and the opportunity to implement preferred names in campus systems wherever possible.
T.E.A.L (To Empower And Liberate) Support Group
This is a group that provides support to Michigan Tech Students who have experienced sexual violence including childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault.
This group provides support to individuals of recent or past sexual violence in a safe, non-judgmental group. With the help of group support individuals can find understanding and help by sharing their struggles and triumphs with one another and begin to put their lives back together.
T.E.A.L meets every other Thursday from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on campus. Through discussion, support and education we can help one another.
If you would like more information or meeting information such as date and location, please contact Melissa Maijala at Dial Help Inc. using one of the following methods: call 1-800-562-7622, text 906-35(NEEDS), or email mmaijala@dialhelp.org.
Michigan Technological University and "It's On Us" Campaign
Take the Pledge and stand up against sexual violence: https://www.itsonus.org
Michigan Tech's "It's On Us" Video
Spring Music Celebration and Silent Auction
On Saturday, May 6 The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter had their 9th Annual music celebration and silent auction at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock, MI. The silent auction took place from 7 - 9 p.m. and music by Cheap Therapy took place from 7 - 10 p.m. All donations and proceeds will go to The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home. Please visit www.bkgshelterhome.org for more information.
Speaker and Author Aspen Matis
Speaker and author Aspen Matis visited Michigan Tech's campus on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in Fisher Hall, Room 135
at 8 p.m. A book signing took place after the event.
Aspen is the author of the internationally bestselling memoir Girl in the Woods, published by HarperCollins in 2015. The book has been called "a powerful read” by
O, The Oprah Magazine, and it made The Guardian's annual top 50 list. The New York
Times named Aspen Matis “a hero.” www.aspen-matis.com
After being raped on her second night at college, Matis dropped out. Depressed and shocked that her school didn't believe and protect her,
she sought solace in a remote wilderness; she found the Pacific Crest Trail and hiked
the footpath’s entire length, over 2,000 miles from Mexico to Canada
This event was sponsored by Michigan Tech’s Office of the President, Institutional
Equity/Title IX, Student Affairs and Advancement, Center for Diversity and Inclusion,
Visiting Women & Minority Lecturer/Scholar Series, Academic and Community Conduct,
Human Resources, Housing and Residential Life, Student Health and Wellness, Athletics
and Recreation, and the Panhellenic Council.
If you have a question about this event that took place, please contact Kirsti Arko,
Director of Title IX, at titleix@mtu.edu.
Healthy Relationship Week 2016 Events:
RAD Demonstration took place on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Stop by the Walker Lawn to preview and participate in Self-Defense tactics as taught by RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) instructors. All genders are welcome to attend this demonstration.
Sex Signals: Took place Wednesday, September 14, 2016 in Fisher 135.
Sex Signals is a nationally known sexual assault prevention program for college students. The program uses an unorthodox, humor-facilitated approach to examining our culture, sex, and the core issue of bystander intervention. The program took place two times, first at 7 p.m., and again at 9 p.m. Seating was first come, first seated.
Funding for this training was provided by the State of Michigan/Michigan Department
of State Police Grants and Community Services Department. Grant Number CSA-5-16 -
Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program.
"It's On Us" Pledge Signing and Chalking was on Thursday, September 15 from 11 a.m - 1 p.m.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 15 at the Husky Circle, Michigan Tech and Dial Help held a sexual violence prevention awareness campaign event that included distribution of resource information and an "It’s On Us" signature event. Stop by and take the “It’s On Us” pledge to stand up against sexual violence. In the event of inclement weather, this event would have been held on Friday, September 16.
Coffee Sleeves for Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness
On Thursday, September 15, coffee shops on college campuses across the country, including ours thanks to Dining Services, replaced their regular coffee sleeves with #TalkToRAINN coffee sleeves, featuring the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org).
