10/07/2026
By Annie Ciaraldi
As you are probably aware, there is a national conversation about sexual violence on college campuses. I welcome the opportunity to share information about resources available to our community and on UMass Lowell’s ongoing efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment and violence. We are committed to fostering a community grounded in mutual respect, support, open dialogue, and the safety and well-being of all. With those values in mind, I’d like to remind everyone of resources available to those seeking support or information about sexual harassment and sexual violence, regardless of gender identity, race, ability, age or affiliation.
UMass Lowell is committed to awareness and prevention of sexual harassment and violence — from educating incoming students about consent to holding awareness events to offering training opportunities to help everyone recognize ways we can all be responsible bystanders.
The university provides online resources for students and employees interested in learning more about how to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence, as well as opportunities for training.
Additionally, the Campus Advocates for Prevention Education (CAPE) is a team of student peer educators who are trained to raise awareness about mental health, substance abuse and sexual violence prevention.
The CAPE team attends events, staffs information tables around campus, gives presentations to clubs and classes, and holds office hours throughout the year. They are also available to meet with students face-to-face.
If you have questions about opportunities for training or efforts to raise awareness, please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Wall or connect with our office, or reach out to me directly concerning questions you may have regarding reporting or processes.
Faculty, staff, students or visitors to UMass Lowell who have concerns about inappropriate actions are encouraged to report those concerns. Reports will be sent directly to the Title IX Coordinator, William Cummings, in the Equal Opportunity and Outreach Office for investigation.
Finally, Melissa Wall will be sending out a Sexual Harassment and Violence Toolkit to all faculty and staff; this toolkit has been written especially for you and will guide you in how to address this topic when it is raised by a student, how to report incidents, and what you and students can expect as a response from university staff involved in Title IX or sexual misconduct reports.
Annie Ciaraldi is associate dean of student affairs for compliance and violence prevention.