Sexual Assault Prevention

The University of California, Santa Cruz is committed to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and gender discrimination. Chilling national research points to high rates of sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence on college campuses. The online Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates OR Sexual Assault Prevention for Adult Learners are assigned to incoming students as part of a larger campus wide effort to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence and to ensure that our campus community is aware of critical resources and reporting options.

Students must complete the Sexual Assault Prevention program as part of the We Are Slugs! 

Incoming students are assigned Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates. 

Are there other sexual assault prevention requirements for incoming students at UC Santa Cruz?

Yes. As part of a UC-wide education effort, all incoming students must complete BOTH Slugs CARE during Welcome Week AND the online Sexual Assault Prevention program as part of We Are Slugs! Both trainings include bystander intervention techniques to prevent sexual violence, information about policies, rights, and important resources. We hope to foster a consent-focused culture where we all work together to create a safer campus community.  

What if I completed Training in the past at another institution? 

As a new UC Santa Cruz student, you are required to complete a Sexual Assault Prevention program online even if you completed an online training in the past. Sexual violence and sexual harassment impact us all and research shows that repeat training is critical to prevention and awareness.

Are staff and faculty required to complete training as well?

All campus affiliates, including graduate students, staff, and faculty must complete ongoing prevention training tailored to their role on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Is there an alternative options for survivors who find this training to be difficult due to a past history of sexual violence? 

The content in the Sexual Assault Prevention programs contain information about sexual violence and misconduct. Though the program is mandatory, an alternate option is available for those who may have difficulty with the content due to a previous experience of sexual or relationship violence. If you would like to request an alternate training please contact care@ucsc.edu and include in the subject line "Alternate SA Prevention Training Request for We Are Slugs."

Accessibility

If you are unable to complete the programs due to a disability-related access concern, please email weareslugs@ucsc.edu. We will work to either resolve the barrier or provide an alternative training.

What if I am not dating and don’t plan to have a sexual relationship?

As an undergraduate student, you will likely know other students who have experienced sexual violence. Research shows that one in five female identified students and one in sixteen male identified students are sexually assaulted while in college; the rates of sexual violence are especially high for trans or non binary, bisexual, and/or disabled populations. Sexual violence, including sexual assault, stalking and dating/domestic violence, profoundly affects students in every part of their experience at college.  As a community, we must all play a role in preventing sexual violence and making UC Santa Cruz a safer place.

What if I'm found responsible of violating the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence policy?

Sexual violence and sexual harassment can have serious consequences. Students found in violation of campus policies against sexual violence and sexual harassment can face sanctions that include, but are not limited: dismissal from the University of California, suspension from the university of California, exclusion from areas of the campus and/or from official University functions, restitution, probations, censure, warning, or other actions as set forth in University policy and campus regulations. Sanctions for policy violations are detailed in the Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline

Sexual violence and sexual harassment are not only violations of university policy, but can also be violations of law and/or subject to civil liability. As of 2024, in California, the crime of rape is punishable by imprisonment of up to 8 years with sentences increasing based on individual circumstances of the particular case, including the age and disability status of the victim. California has detailed guidelines for sex offenses which can be found in the California Penal Code, including but not limited to the following sections 261, 262, 264, 264.1, 269, 288.7, 667.61. In addition to criminal consequences, offenders may also face civil liability.

Resources for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

• The Center for Advocacy, Resources and Empowerment (CARE) Office is available to provide confidential support and to explore reporting options. The team at CARE is made up of professional staff and peer educators (students) who can help support students. You can request an appointment or more information by emailing care@ucsc.edu.

• The Title IX Office exists on campus to resolve and/or investigate reports of sexual violence.The Title IX Office can assist with safety measures and will work with the reporting party to address concerns that they may have about access and future incidents, with or without a formal investigation. Reporting ensures that survivors will be provided information regarding their rights, options, and resources. To learn more, visit titleix.ucsc.edu. The Title IX website also provides the campus community with information about the many resources and options available to support survivors.

• Respondent Support Services provides students who are accused of violating the Student Violence Sexual Harrassment policy with the holistic support needed to participate in a Title IX or student conduct investigation. Respondent Support Services can assist students in connecting to resources they need on and off campus, and can help them navigate policy and process. The goal of Respondent Support Services is to support engagement and understanding of the process, while also addressing emotional and academic wellbeing.

• The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Education (OSCCE) serves as a resource to students who are in a process related to allegations of violating the university's Sexual Assault Sexual Violence policy. OSCCE can provide students with information regarding potential consequences of violating the poicy, which are outlined in Appendix E and  Appendix F of the Student Handbook.

• Additionally, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department is available to assist with emergency situations and criminal complaints.