This guide offers a template for writing IRP agreements that outline action items and terms agreed upon by the parties and institutions in cases of DVSAS. Because of the range and adaptability of these processes, informal resolutions will differ across campuses and cases, but typically, written agreements contain several categories of information.
Category: Leadership/Administrators
Informal Resolution Agreement Template For Colleges and Universities in Cases of Dating and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
Designing and Implementing Informal Resolutions: Key Considerations for Colleges and Universities
Informal resolution is an umbrella term, covering a range of processes and practices considered alternative to adjudication in cases of dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS) at institutions of higher education. Often including pathways such as mediation, restorative justice, and shuttle negotiation or facilitation, informal resolutions are sometimes referred to as adaptable or alternative resolutions. Despite their name, these processes require no less intentionality than those involving investigation or hearings to respond effectively to sex and gender-based harm.
Assessing for Informal Resolution Opportunities in Domestic and Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Cases
When it comes to responding to dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS) on college campuses, what constitutes a “good case” for an informal resolution process (IRP)? The reality is that whether an IRP, as opposed to an investigation and decision-making model, serves the involved parties becomes less about the incident itself and more about aligning with the unique needs of those directly involved and the needs of the broader institutional community.
Being Deliberate: for Deciding Sanctions in Cases of Gender-based Misconduct at Institutions of Higher Education
Institutions of higher education (IHEs) must have a resolution process to address incidents of gender-based misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, and dating and domestic violence. Within a resolution process, there are typically three general areas of action once a complaint has been filed: gathering information, exploring the information, and evaluating the information. This guide focuses on one aspect of the evaluative portion of the resolution process addressing issues of student misconduct, specifically related to sanctioning.
Where to Start: Drafting, Implementing, and Enforcing No Contact Orders for Victims of Gender-Based Violence on Campuses
The Victim Rights Law Center’s “Where to Start” series is a resource for administrators seeking to address gender-based violence at institutions of higher education (IHEs) across the country. In VRLC’s experience working with students as well as institutions nationally, a “one size fits all” approach to addressing it often fails to meet the needs of both students and administrators. Every campus is unique, as is each jurisdiction, or territory, thus the information in this series serves as a guide. It is intended to begin a conversation on your campus which will help you identify current gaps and decisions you need to make in order to close those gaps. The goal of the series is to create an informed, appropriate, and consistent response to gender-based violence on your campus that contemplates the size, culture, resources, and specific needs of your institution. As you begin to utilize this series, please keep in mind that the information provided is not legal advice and that you should always consult with a local attorney, your general counsel, or jurisdictional laws if you have questions. Please note that throughout this series we use the term “gender-based violence” to refer to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Honoring 25 Years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward
For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) has united survivors, advocates, and communities in the shared commitment to end sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. This milestone is both a celebration of progress and a call to keep moving forward.
The theme “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward” honors the history and growth of the movement while reaffirming our commitment to a safer future for all. Looking back, we remember the survivors and advocates who laid the foundation for change. Moving forward, we renew our focus on prevention, healing, and action.
As we celebrate 25 years of SAAM, we recognize how far we’ve come and the work still ahead. Together, we can continue to shift culture, strengthen prevention, and create a world free from sexual violence.
By standing in solidarity, we can build a future free from sexual violence and create a world where everyone is safe, valued, and respected.
To support this year’s theme, we invite you to watch the SAAM 2026 Preview Webinar, which offers an overview of the 25th-anniversary focus, resources, and ways communities can engage throughout April.
Safety Planning: For Students Responsible for Sexual Misconduct on Campus
This guide is designed to offer campus staff a tool to explore a similar Safety Planning process for responsible students, student who have/or concerned about engaging in sexual misconduct. Safety Planning is the process of developing a structured plan to identify specific boundaries, strategies and supports to reduce risk of causing harm. Through this overview, the reader will learn about the resources, research and knowledge needed to implement a plan; and, most of all, assess whether this is a process that makes sense for a particular student, situation, and campus.
On Demand Transit Makes Campuses Safer for Students, Faculty, and Staff Alike
You can’t predict when someone needs a safe ride. It could be early in the morning, the middle of the day, or late at night. Sometimes it works out, and the regular shuttle is in the right place at the right time for someone, but most fixed route services only cover the most popular places on campus. It might travel a few main roads, but it can’t realistically be everywhere for everyone.
Colleges Still Have No Clue How to Handle Sexual Assault Allegations. I Have an Idea.
The system designed to handle allegations of sexual assault on college campuses is badly broken. Over the past 15 years, the rules have changed dramatically depending on whether a Democrat or a Republican occupies the White House; in March, they will change again. But the fundamental premise is the same: an adversarial system that pits one side against the other. It has been an abject failure. We need to burn the entire structure to the ground and build something radically different.
