Student Assembly

Sponsored by: Dara Brown ‘13, Kristin Askin ‘13, Ken Babcock ‘13, Nina Cummings, Wingman101

Whereas, The Student Assembly has done an outstanding job this year to create and endorse programs that promote alcohol safety in IFC houses; however, women’s safety still remains an issue.

Whereas, under the IFC/Panhellenic Policy Handbook it is mandated that “ the fraternity or sorority will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This is to include any actions, which are demeaning to any person or persons including but not limited to sexual assault or verbal harassment (2005).”

Whereas, just this semester alone, there has been a rise in complaints and reports related to sexual violence against women on Cornell’s campus.

Whereas, Cornell’s Wingman101 program provides the most effective approach towards talking to men about sexual assault prevention.

Whereas, Wingman101 is centered on an interactive discussion, facilitated by trained male students, during which men: explore college risk issues and consider interventions that may create a healthier climate on campus and reduce the likelihood of sexual assault(Gannett).”

Be it therefore resolved, that the Student Assembly endorse Wingman101 by approving the attached email to increase awareness of Wingman101’s services and initiatives.

Respectfully Submitted

Dara Brown ‘13 Women’s Issues Committee-Chair,
Student Assembly

Ken Babcock ‘13 Vice President of Judicial Affairs,
Interfraternity Council

Kristin Askin ‘13 Vice President of Formal Membership Recruitment, Panhellenic Council

Nina Cummings Victim Advocate,
Gannett Health Services

(Reviewed by: S.A Women’s Issues Committee, 3/11, 12)

Dear IFC Chapter Presidents,

We hope that the week of April 2nd brought about a successful engagement of new members into social activities. The Student Assembly would like to remind you of a resource available to fraternity brothers to help ensure that everyone is educated on how to prevent risky behaviors; particularly those that could lead to harmful behaviors such as sexual harassment and violence.

Because, research suggests that a community-focused solution may do more to prevent risky behaviors than an individual-based approach, we are encouraging all IFC Presidents to consider hosting the Wingman 101 Program for their chapter. In doing so, there may be an opportunity to change broader community norms by:

• increasing brothers’ awareness of risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse, physical aggression, adherence to traditional gendered roles and behaviors, etc.
• helping brothers to identify those behaviors
• encouraging brothers to take responsibility and intervene during high-risk situations to protect all those involved

We would like to create an overall safer environment for students in IFC houses. Since 2005, Wingman 101 has used a pro-social bystander approach in encouraging men to take the steps necessary towards intervening when they identify situations that could potentially be troublesome and then encouraging leadership among members who can challenge each other and create a safer community. Wingman recognizes that the majority of men “want to do the right thing” but are often potential bystanders or witnesses to behaviors without knowing how to intervene. We are confident that this kind of programming will help to keep the IFC community a positive environment and will build on the values we know that you uphold and respect.

We hope you will take advantage of this program. The program is facilitated by trained Cornell undergrad students (all male) and takes only 60 minutes. It is discussion, not lecture and can be arranged at your chapter’s convenience. For more information about Wingman 101 contact:

Health Promotion
Gannett Health Services
(607) 255–4782
nc18@cornell.edu

For more information regarding this initiative contact:
Dara Brown
Women’s Issues Committee Chair
(336) 580–1797
dpb73@cornell.edu