October 09, 2026
Recent national media attention surrounding the serious allegations of sexual violence at Cornell University has been deeply concerning for members of our community. We recognize the pain this news may bring. To anyone affected, please know that you do not have to navigate this alone: a broad spectrum of care and support resources are available to you.
We as representatives from the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Student Affairs, and Student Government Leadership are writing together because this moment calls for clarity about our shared expectations for our community. We have a collective responsibility to foster a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where everyone can thrive in a culture that does not tolerate sexual misconduct.
Creating that culture is a responsibility we all share. Our university policies establish clear expectations for our community, but policies alone do not create culture. Culture is shaped by how we treat one another, both in person and online. Culture is shaped by how we respond when something does not reflect our values. Culture is shaped when we are willing to step in, speak up and support one another.
The university has a responsibility to provide training and education to prevent sexual misconduct, to make help accessible, to explain students’ options clearly, and to respond fairly and effectively to reports of misconduct. Students who experience sexual misconduct deserve care, respect and a meaningful response. Carnegie Mellon University prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, and our administration and community partners are committed to providing care and accountability.
One important way you can contribute to building a culture of prevention, support and accountability at CMU is by becoming an active bystander. Through CMU’s CuRB program, students can learn practical strategies for recognizing concerning situations, intervening safely and fostering community care and accountability. The next CuRB trainings are planned for Oct. 26 and Nov. 16, with registration details posted on the program's webpage. Groups of 10 or more students can also request a CuRB training and schedule it at their convenience. We encourage you to participate in this program and to think about how you can contribute to shaping the culture we want at CMU.
Listening is essential to both prevention and response. The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX (IEX) and Student Affairs encourage students and community members to provide feedback on campus culture and students’ experiences with university support and response. The 2025 Sexual Misconduct and Awareness Survey provided important data about student experiences and is a foundation for this ongoing work.
After fall break, students will have more opportunities to share what they are experiencing at CMU. We want to better understand what you need from one another as classmates, colleagues and friends, and what you need from the university to promote a safe, positive and welcoming environment for all. More information will be coming soon about how to provide input, how those insights will be used and how student privacy will be safeguarded. No one will need to share a personal experience to take part. Once information is gathered, we will consider your feedback together, share key themes and propose next steps.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct or needs support, please seek assistance from available university resources (many confidential). Reaching out for support, looking out for one another and speaking up when something does not align with our community’s values are all important steps each of us can take to build the culture we want to uphold.
IEX offers comprehensive resources regarding reporting options and assistance with academic adjustments, housing changes and other supportive measures, whether or not you file a formal complaint. You can reach IEX at institutionalequity@cmu.edu or 412-268-7125. You can also contact University Police 24/7 by calling 412-268-2323 for immediate safety concerns and to coordinate support with Student Affairs after business hours.
Thank you for the role you play in caring for one another. We will continue listening and working with you to strengthen a culture of care and accountability at CMU.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rosemeyer
Assistant Vice Provost and Title IX Coordinator
Sanjeev Naiek, Andy Hammer, Elizabeth Dieterich and Zach Berger
Student Government Executive Council for Advocacy
Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Our Shared Commitment to a Culture of Care and Accountability
Dear Students,Recent national media attention surrounding the serious allegations of sexual violence at Cornell University has been deeply concerning for members of our community. We recognize the pain this news may bring. To anyone affected, please know that you do not have to navigate this alone: a broad spectrum of care and support resources are available to you.
We as representatives from the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Student Affairs, and Student Government Leadership are writing together because this moment calls for clarity about our shared expectations for our community. We have a collective responsibility to foster a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where everyone can thrive in a culture that does not tolerate sexual misconduct.
Creating that culture is a responsibility we all share. Our university policies establish clear expectations for our community, but policies alone do not create culture. Culture is shaped by how we treat one another, both in person and online. Culture is shaped by how we respond when something does not reflect our values. Culture is shaped when we are willing to step in, speak up and support one another.
The university has a responsibility to provide training and education to prevent sexual misconduct, to make help accessible, to explain students’ options clearly, and to respond fairly and effectively to reports of misconduct. Students who experience sexual misconduct deserve care, respect and a meaningful response. Carnegie Mellon University prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, and our administration and community partners are committed to providing care and accountability.
One important way you can contribute to building a culture of prevention, support and accountability at CMU is by becoming an active bystander. Through CMU’s CuRB program, students can learn practical strategies for recognizing concerning situations, intervening safely and fostering community care and accountability. The next CuRB trainings are planned for Oct. 26 and Nov. 16, with registration details posted on the program's webpage. Groups of 10 or more students can also request a CuRB training and schedule it at their convenience. We encourage you to participate in this program and to think about how you can contribute to shaping the culture we want at CMU.
Listening is essential to both prevention and response. The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX (IEX) and Student Affairs encourage students and community members to provide feedback on campus culture and students’ experiences with university support and response. The 2025 Sexual Misconduct and Awareness Survey provided important data about student experiences and is a foundation for this ongoing work.
After fall break, students will have more opportunities to share what they are experiencing at CMU. We want to better understand what you need from one another as classmates, colleagues and friends, and what you need from the university to promote a safe, positive and welcoming environment for all. More information will be coming soon about how to provide input, how those insights will be used and how student privacy will be safeguarded. No one will need to share a personal experience to take part. Once information is gathered, we will consider your feedback together, share key themes and propose next steps.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct or needs support, please seek assistance from available university resources (many confidential). Reaching out for support, looking out for one another and speaking up when something does not align with our community’s values are all important steps each of us can take to build the culture we want to uphold.
IEX offers comprehensive resources regarding reporting options and assistance with academic adjustments, housing changes and other supportive measures, whether or not you file a formal complaint. You can reach IEX at institutionalequity@cmu.edu or 412-268-7125. You can also contact University Police 24/7 by calling 412-268-2323 for immediate safety concerns and to coordinate support with Student Affairs after business hours.
Thank you for the role you play in caring for one another. We will continue listening and working with you to strengthen a culture of care and accountability at CMU.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rosemeyer
Assistant Vice Provost and Title IX Coordinator
Sanjeev Naiek, Andy Hammer, Elizabeth Dieterich and Zach Berger
Student Government Executive Council for Advocacy
Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students