March 16, 2005 --

Dear Students:

The University has adopted a newly revised version of procedures for handling cases of sexual assault among students. Since November, students, faculty, and administrators have been collaborating on changes to strengthen the procedures and address student concerns. Revisions to the procedures are summarized in the following four areas:

* Changes aimed at increasing the speed and efficiency of cases moving through the system were made throughout the Formal Adjudication process.
* A separate offense of sexual misconduct was added to encourage more reporting of cases and to convey that sanctions may vary by severity and act.
* Language was revised with regard to confidentiality and disclosures permitted by federal law.
* The procedures express the expectation that in cases involving a conviction of Sexual Assault, the hearing panel will consider suspension or expulsion. Any sanction imposed will be explained or supported in the written decision of the panel.

In conjunction with the revised procedures, we have adopted a set of Operating Principles to guide activities associated with administering the procedures. One key initiative will be the establishment in the near future of an advisory committee on sexual
assault. The committee will include students, faculty, and staff. I have asked the Sexual Assault Leadership Council to recommend student appointees for the committee to me by March 31. I have also asked Student Council, as in the past, to submit names of suggested students to serve on the Sexual Assault Board, the body that hears and adjudicates cases.

In closing, I want to add my personal thanks to the many students who worked with us on revising these procedures. Although I regret the need for the procedures in the first place, I am grateful that members of the community have played a vital role in addressing the issue of sexual assault and have helped inform the process of strengthening the Universitys procedures.

To read the procedures and the related Operating Principles, please see:
<http://www.virginia.edu/vpsa/assaultprocedure.html>http://www.virginia.edu/
vpsa/assaultprocedure.html

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President for Student Affairs