Interim UO President Scott Coltrane is seeking nominations for a new University of Oregon Sexual Assault Advisory Council.

The group is expected to play a key role in advancing the university’s comprehensive effort to improve its sexual assault response and prevention plan and ensure campus is respectful and safe for everyone.

Creating an advisory council was one of the recommendations of the President’s Review Panel that last year conducted an assessment of the university’s sexual assault and misconduct procedures and its support for survivors. The final report summarizes the group’s findings and lists recommendations for a comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to sexual assault.

Coltrane says the advisory council will be made up of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members who can offer expertise and perspectives to help foster safety, respect and responsibility at the UO.

“This is a very complex problem, and there are many differing opinions on the best way to change the climate, encourage reporting and improve the way we respond to sexual assault,” Coltrane said. “We need campus and community input and perspectives to get this right and really do our best for students.”

The council will work with the new assistant vice president for campus sexual assault and Title IX coordinator and provide advice to the president and executive leadership team. The university hopes to have the new position filled by July 1.

Coltrane sent the call for nominations to groups representing faculty, staff, students and community members. To nominate someone or seek appointment to the advisory council, email pres@uoregon.edu by Friday, May 8.