LOGAN, Utah — Students at Utah State University received a ‘Timely Warning Notice’ after a third party reported a sexual assault near campus where drugs may have been involved.
“I was sitting in my dorm room today studying and I looked down and I had an email from Utah State,” said Riley Crezee, a freshman at USU.
“Timely Warning Notice: An incident of sexual assault was reported near the Logan campus,” read the alert which was sent to thousands of students at Utah State University Thursday afternoon.
“It’s nice that campus is aware of it and they’re letting us know so that we can be aware of it as students,” Crezee said.
The message alerted students to a reported sexual assault that happened near campus on August 31.
“A third party came to a campus resource to report it,” said Amanda DeRito, USU’s director of crisis communications and issues management.
“A student was at a fraternity, there was a sexual assault and we believe, or they believe, that it was drug-facilitated,” DeRito explained. “So we felt like that was enough information, we really needed to send it out.”
The university said while they don’t know much about the incident, the blast is a small way they can make a change.
“We really feel like we can’t address these issues in our community unless we involve the whole community,” DeRito said. “It’s on all of us and it takes all of us to make it better.”
A sentiment echoed by students.
“I think it’s really helpful because, not only does it help us think through these situations, but also stimulates these conversations on campus,” Crezee said. “So we can foster a healthy campus environment.”
The University did not specify which fraternity is believed to be involved. They do not know who the victim is or who the suspect is.
The alert notice included this list of suggested safety instructions and resources:
"Everyone on campus has a responsibility to make our community safe. While nothing is failsafe, here are some suggestions everyone should consider:
- Know what you are drinking, keep an eye on your drink, and never accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust.
- Don't stand by if someone is speaking or behaving in a disrespectful or inappropriate way. Speak up or seek assistance from police or USU employees. Learn more about becoming an Upstander and request an Upstanding bystander intervention training at upstander.usu.edu.
- Make sure you understand consent and always receive it before engaging in sexual activity. Learn more at www.consent.usu.edu.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe on campus, contact USU Police at 435-797-1939 or dial 911. USU police officers provide safety escorts across campus; please allow 20-30 minutes for an officer to arrive.
- If you've been sexually assaulted, there are on- and off-campus resources ready to help you. You may report the incident to the police or file a Title IX report. If you are not ready to report to police or to the university through the Title IX Coordinator, visit with a confidential advocate or counselor. Learn more about these resources at sexualassault.usu.edu.
- The health and safety of the campus community is USU's primary concern, and the university's Amnesty Policy excuses students who report sexual misconduct from facing discipline for a violation of the student code involving drugs and alcohol."
