Cal Poly Safer Program Joins Campus Health and Wellbeing

September 20, 2018

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly’s Safer program will transition from the Office of the Dean of Students to join Campus Health and Wellbeing starting Sept. 20, 2018.

Safer provides confidential crisis services, education and outreach for victims of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. The program’s transition follows national best-practice standards to house gender-based violence prevention, education and advocacy services within university health centers.

As part of the initial transition, the Safer advocate, who provides confidential crisis advocacy services, will relocate from the University Union to Cal Poly’s Health Center (Building 27), Room 184. No other aspects of Safer’s services will be impacted or altered as a result of this move. Students may access services at both the UU location and Cal Poly’s Health Center during this time of transition.

“Safer aligns with the mission and vision of Campus Health and Wellbeing, as both programs aim to ensure that confidential well-being resources are available to all students,” said Tina Hadaway-Mellis, assistant vice president for student affairs for health and wellbeing. “Housing Safer within Campus Health and Wellbeing gives students access to victim advocacy support, counseling, medical and well-being services in one facility, which provides a holistic approach to care for all students.” 

Kathleen McMahon, Cal Poly’s dean of students, said Safer has been an integral part of the Dean of Students department since the program’s inception and has played a key role in supporting all students at Cal Poly.

“Transitioning the program to Campus Health and Wellbeing will allow Safer to better assist victims of gender-based violence with crisis counseling and medical services, while providing the same high-quality prevention education we’ve come to expect from the program,” McMahon said.

Safer will continue its collaborative efforts with campus and community partners, including Academic Affairs, University Police Department, Dean of Students, Title IX, University Housing, the San Luis Obispo Police Department, Stand Strong, and RISE.

About Campus Health and Wellbeing

Campus Health and Wellbeing provides year-round care to Cal Poly students by appointment and on a walk-in basis, offering ambulatory care, lab testing, on-site X-rays, prescription medications, counseling services and holistic well-being services. For more information, visit chw.calpoly.edu. 

About Safer

Safer is Cal Poly’s confidential advocacy, education and support resource for addressing sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. The program is a resource for all students, faculty and staff, and aims to create an inclusive space for all that are affected by gender-based violence, regardless of race, color, religious or spiritual beliefs, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or documentation status. For more information, visit safer.calpoly.edu. 

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