April 5, 2016
Greetings,
As we approach the end of the academic year, I write with an update regarding Spelman College’s progress on creating and maintaining a climate in which sexual violence is not tolerated and the response to incidents is effective and appropriate.
April is sexual assault awareness month. To acknowledge that occasion, Atlanta University Center schools hold Denim Week. This year, Denim Week will begin on April 20, 2016, with a screening of the documentary film, “The Hunting Ground” at 7 p.m. An announcement with details will be forthcoming.
A high priority for the College is building a strong Title IX staff. By now, you may know that Spelman has selected a new dean of students. I am pleased that Dr. Fran’Cee Brown McClure will assume the role on May 12, 2016. Her appointment is one of several that will form the basis of a new Title IX presence on campus. Currently associate dean of students at Stanford University, Dr. McClure brings with her a wide-ranging portfolio. An essential component of her duties at Spelman will include responsibility for new and updated Title IX training and programming for individuals and in collaboration with student organizations. Dr. McClure has a wealth of knowledge and experience in these matters and we look forward to benefiting from the skills and ideas she will bring with her. In the meantime, the College will continue its search for a IX and compliance director.
In collaboration with our Title IX Office, I am pleased to report that student worker, LaDarrien Gillette, C’2016, in collaboration with a team of students has completed a selection process for membership on the
Sex Discrimination Student Commission. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the applicants and share with you the names of the commission members: first year student Kamerin Winston; sophomores Clarissa Brooks, Euphoria Davis, Victoria Hicks and DeShay Kidd; juniors Amber Hobbs, Elissa Joseph and Dru Spiller; and senior Sarah Brokenborough.
The student commission and the faculty advisory group (announced last month) invite ideas and suggestions from our campus community on how we might improve the culture and climate of Spelman in regards to Title IX compliance.
In addition to communicating with the student commission or the faculty advisory group, members of the Spelman community can offer suggestions to our strategic planning committee at
planning@spelman.edu as part of our strategic planning process. Incorporating an articulation of our values, a statement of best practices that assure a safe, supportive campus, and metrics for monitoring success will be part of the new strategic plan. Additionally, we invite suggestions for innovative curricular, research and programmatic ideas.
Sincerely,
Mary Schmidt Campbell
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Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D.
President
Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314-4399