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Northland College responds to reported incident of sexual assault

September 10, 2012

A Northland College student has reported to campus staff that a fellow student sexually assaulted her over the weekend. The alleged assault is believed to have taken place late Friday evening. Northland College has launched an investigation into the incident.

"The safety of all Northland College students is our chief concern. We are particularly concerned about the well-being of the victim who has come forward," said Michael A. Miller, Northland College President. "We are taking this report of an alleged sexual assault very seriously. We are currently gathering information and will release more information as we are able."

The student, whose name is not being released, contacted a resident assistant about the alleged assault. Northland College staff were notified late Saturday evening. The student has not revealed the identity of the alleged assailant to college officials. Michele Meyer, Vice President of Student Affairs and Sustainability, said staff have been attending to the student's needs and providing assistance as well as resources. Meyer said her staff acted swiftly and thoroughly once they received the report.

"We do whatever we can to prevent incidents like this from occurring on campus," said Meyer. "Each year, Residence Life staff hold meetings in each of our residence halls to discuss personal safety and introduce students to our campus safety personnel so they know who they can turn to and rely on. We also conduct personal safety sessions as a part of new student orientation each Fall. In addition, students have run their own programs to educate their peers about sexual assault."

Meyer said she is both saddened and disturbed by news of the alleged assault. She emphasized that Northland College has policies in place to address reports of sexual assault or misconduct.

"There had been no reports of sexual assault on the Northland campus in the last three years. We want to assure Northland students, their families, our colleagues and the Ashland community that we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our students. Northland College also complies with Title IX requirements regarding sexual assault and harassment as well as sexual assault reporting procedures under the federal Clery Act," said Meyer, who is also the Title IX Coordinator at Northland.

Meyer added that the college is always looking for ways to improve safety services provided on campus. She advised students to take steps to help ensure their own safety.

"We urge students to be aware of their surroundings, travel in numbers, lock their rooms and vehicles and prevent entry of unknown individuals into their place of residence," said Meyer.