Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call Program
The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call (SADoC) is the University administrator specifically trained in trauma-informed 40+ Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention. This administrator is available 24/7. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call provides emotional administrative support to students who are survivors of gender-based violence. By providing basic procedural, legal, and medical information, and referrals to other resources on campus and local community service organizations, the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call helps students make informed decisions about next steps.
Role of the Sexual Assault Dean on Call (SADoC)
The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call is available to answer any general or personal questions related to gender-based violence, including sexual assault, unwanted sexual touching, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call ensures all of the University resources are available to assist students through the traumatic situation. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call can explain what to expect at a police station or at the hospital's emergency department, can provide basic information about the criminal and civil justice system and University-wide disciplinary procedures, and may refer the student to counseling and other services, such as the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support.
The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call may speak with a student survivor in confidence, and report only to the University that an incident occurred without revealing any personally identifying information. Personally identifying information will only be shared after obtaining the reporting student’s consent.
Disclosures to any Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call may lead to the University launching an investigation into the incident, even in the absence of any identifying information or the reporting student’s consent. If an investigation does proceed, the reporting student will not be identified and will not be compelled to participate. The reporting student may use the support provided by the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call for as long as needed.
However, when the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call honors a student’s request for confidentiality, the student must understand that the University’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the alleged respondent may be limited. For more information on resources and confidentiality, click here.
Confidentiality Note
All University personnel are “mandated reporters” who are required by law to report child abuse and neglect to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. For this reason, confidential resources (Sexual Assault Deans-on-Call, Student Counseling Service, Student Health Service, ordained religious advisors) cannot maintain complete confidentiality when they learn of the possible abuse and/or neglect of a person under the age of 18. For more information, see the University’s Policy on the Safety of Children. In addition, regardless of the ages of individuals involved, these confidential resources must notify the University officials specified in the aforementioned policy of threats to the physical safety of any person.
UCPD Will Contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call When:
- A student arrives to the University's emergency department and asks for the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call;
- A student reports a sexual assault to the UCPD;
- University staff, faculty, or another member of the University community requests to speak with the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call;
- A student survivor requests to speak with the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call;
- A friend or support person of the survivor requests to speak with the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call.
Engaging the Sexual Assault Dean on Call
A student can contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call at any time by calling the UCPD Dispatch at 773.702.8181 and asking UCPD to page the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call. Students should be prepared to provide a 10-digit call-back number. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call can also be reached via text through the UChicago Safe App. Once in the UChicago Safe App, press the UChicago HELP button and a text option will be provided. A student may contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call even if the student has not yet decided whether to report the incident to the police or to receive guidance and support in helping a peer or friend.
In cases in which a student makes a report to UCPD, UCPD will notify the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call.
For the University's policy on Harassment, Discimination, and Sexual Misconduct, see the Student Manual.
The UChicago Safe App is available here:
If You've Been Sexually Assaulted
Contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call: Call the UCPD Dispatch at 773.702.8181 and ask UCPD to page the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call can also be reached via text through the UChicago Safe App.
For more information, visit the Office for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support website, or refer to the Student Information Sheet.