University of Massachusetts Expands Sexual Misconduct Training and Education

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has launched the second phase of its UMatter program to combat sexual misconduct on campus. The new phase of the program is emphasizing “active bystander intervention” as a way to reduce instances of sexual assault, harassment, and other offenses.

The new initiative includes advertising around campus, posters placed in dormitories, social media campaigns, an online instructional video, and campus events held throughout the spring semester. Training in active bystander intervention will be expanded to include all incoming first-year students this fall.

Kumble Subbaswamy, chancellor of the university, stated, “UMatter at UMass is a campus-wide initiative that encourages all of us to be active bystanders and to participate in the effort to create a caring and compassionate campus community. Together we can create a caring campus culture and a firmer commitment to each other and our educational goals.”

More information on the UMatter program is available here.