April is Sexual Assault Action Month, and Chief Health and Wellness Officer Estevan Garcia is inviting students, faculty, and staff to participate in a range of events designed to “create space to engage in dialogue and grow our understanding about this important issue.”
In an email to the community on Monday, Garcia highlighted two events taking place this week: a candlelight vigil, which was held Monday evening in front of Dartmouth Hall in support of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; and the annual Student and Presidential Committee on Sexual Assault Symposium.
The SPCSA Symposium starts at 3 p.m. Friday in Collis Common Ground and will feature several speakers, including Garcia, President Sian Leah Beilock, and student leaders.
The full calendar of Sexual Assault Action Month events is available through the Student Wellness Center.
Garcia, who attended the vigil Monday evening, also praised undergraduates’ active participation in the Sexual Violence Prevention Project—which he called a “groundbreaking initiative” that is providing a curriculum to help students develop “the essential interpersonal skills and confidence necessary to prevent harmful behaviors and develop positive relationships.” He encouraged first-year students and sophomores to sign up for their next SVPP trainings in Darthub.
In the graduate and professional schools, he cited the Tuck Mental Health and Wellness Initiative, the Geisel Student Needs and Assistance Program, Student Support Services at Thayer, and the Guarini Graduate Student Council Resource Guide as examples of how those schools “are building community awareness, student leadership, and models of active bystander behaviors.”
Garcia, who began his role in March, thanked students, faculty, and staff for their warm welcome and ongoing dedication to the well-being of everyone on campus.
“Our community’s health and well-being are essential to fuel great creativity and innovative ideas,” he said. “I appreciate your partnership in building this supportive and compassionate campus culture, and I look forward to our work together.”
This spring, Garcia will share an update on progress toward the goals outlined in Commitment to Care, Dartmouth’s strategic plan for student mental health.
In his email, Garcia also encouraged faculty and staff to explore existing employee resources on Wellness at Dartmouth.