OISS Fall 2014 Adjustment, Campus Resources and Violence Prevention
Presentation Script
Grad student Prezi (Tuesday only)
http://prezi.com/vxzj_aalizhr/2014-grad-presentation/
Freshman/Transfer/EAP student Prezi
http://prezi.com/fogvhgrkswqj/2014-undergrad-presentation/
As students enter:
Slide1: Introduction Screen (Big Map) will be showing.
Welcome to UCSB! I am (name and affiliation to the University). As you can see we are
looking at a map of UCSB and the surrounding area. Today we want to help familiarize you with
with campus and campus life.
Transition 2: We are here in (location: point to map) today to welcome you to UCSB.
Slide3:
We want to discuss not only campus life and some cultural differences you might find,
but also expectations for you while you are in the USA. You will likely have a few
adjustment issues as you arrive to our campus and become a UCSB Gaucho (may
explain what a gaucho is). We know that it can be difficult to be new to the USA and
new to Santa Barbara in beautiful southern California and a new student at UCSB all at
once! Student life here can be an exciting new adventure. There are many new
experiences to explore, and new things to do and new people to meet. We know you
will enjoy the wonderful weather in Santa Barbara, and have fun exploring the
mountains, the ocean, and the many outdoor activities that are available to you. You
may also enjoy the arts, or you may be excited about academic opportunities. We want
you all to succeed, be happy, and enjoy your experience. With all these exciting new
experiences there is also a need to adjust to all the changes that this new experience
will bring. Change can be stressful, we will talk about some of these possible stressors
and some of the many activities and student services available to you to help you find
your way. The following is just a brief introduction to campus and student life, so that
you know what to expect and have all of the information about what is available to you
to help you stay well and safe.
Transition 4: Let’s take a look at the student resource building.
Slide5:
What bumps might you encounter while here? You or a friend may have visa problems, or you
may feel unsure about your rights and resources. The Office of International Students and
Scholars (OISS), located inside the Student Resource Building on the 3rd floor is a good resource
for any adjustment or visa questions you may have. Many policies may seem odd and there are a
lot of rules to learn.
Regarding language barriers, this is one of the most common frustrations experienced by
international students during their time here. You will probably find that speaking English all
day is tiring! And, you may find that many people talk faster than you expected! Doing
homework or assignments in a non-native language may take longer than you are used to. The
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) sponsors a daily conversation class that you
or a friend might be interested in and in addition you will find the office of Campus Learning
Assistance Services or CLAS on the third floor of the Student Resource Building. Campus
Learning Assistance Services offers tutoring for many classes, as well as time management, test
taking strategies, study skills, and writing workshops. Finally, you will go through cultural
adjustment during the next few weeks and months. For example, becoming aware of different
holidays and different food. Understanding different customs or seeing things that just don’t
make sense such as wearing shoes inside or not wearing shoes outside! What feels normal to you
may not seem normal to others and what seems odd to you may seem completely normal to
everyone else. Not only is the language different, but communication styles such as more direct
vs. more indirect styles of communication might take some getting used to. Some of these
differences can be interesting and fun, but some may be difficult to understand or get used to. If
you have any problems with cultural adjustment you may talk to friends, the Office of
International Students and Scholars staff and/or other student affairs staff for help or advice.
Transition 6: Now let’s go to Cheadle Hall.
Slide 7:
In addition to adjusting to life in the United States, you may also face some additional
adjustment issues while getting used to UCSB. For example, many students feel
academic pressure during their first quarter at UCSB. In addition to longer study time
and more struggles with language many international students also describe feeling
pressure because their families have very high expectations for them during their time
here. There are offices on campus that are designed to help you with any academic
pressures you may face. Cheadle Hall, shown here, is where most of your academic
advising will take place. You can also learn strategies for coping with pressure through
Health and Wellness programs and can consult with psychologists at Counseling and
Psychological Services (CAPS). These are services you’ve paid for with your student
fees.
Many students wonder about the possibility of getting a job or wondering why they don’t
qualify for financial aid. The OISS can help you with any of the questions you may have
about those issues. In addition to adjusting to life as a student in the U.S., your personal
life will undergo some major adjustments as well. You may find that you are making
many more of your own decisions than when you were at home. Some students
describe feeling more stress due to this added independence and decision-making
responsibility. Finding a support system here at UCSB will be important during your time
here.
Finally, there are many social pressures that come with life at UCSB. You are away
from loved ones and may experience conflict with friends or roommates. There are also
new expectations and norms about drinking, drugs and sexual behavior. Being away
from the structure of home, many students, both domestic and international, find
themselves questioning their feelings about things they had perhaps previously taken
for granted including identity, race and gender issues, religious beliefs, nationalism and
sexual orientation. Again, if you or a friend is struggling with any of these social
pressures or changes please try to recognize that and know that there are counselors at
the Alcohol and Drug Program, the Women’s Center, student health, counseling and
psychological services and other offices and staff members are available for you to talk
to for support. Any of these offices can refer you to the appropriate resources.
Transition 8: Next we’ll be going to Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista also known as IV.
Slide 9:
Understanding drinking laws and norms at UCSB is a very important issue to consider
as you adjust to your new home. This is especially important for international students,
who may come from countries where there are no restrictions around legal drinking age.
In the United States, regardless of what country you are coming from, drinking while
under 21 years of age is against the law. However, international students face very
different consequences for law violations than U.S. citizens face. Being caught drinking
while underage, buying a drink for someone underage, drinking in public and drinking
and driving can lead to serious consequences, including and up to possible arrest and
deportation. Additionally, these violations will impact future entry into the country and
potentially affect your current visa status. In addition, having sex with someone who is
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs may constitute sexual assault. So be
careful that you don’t let your decisions about drinking affect your visa status and your
future as a UCSB student.
Transition 10: Now we’ll head to the Recreation Center.
Slide 11:
Is this all bad news? No… We have an amazing Recreation Center that we call the Rec
Cen and there are A LOT of other fun, free events at UCSB that don’t have to involve
drinking also. For information on alcohol-free events around campus, check out the
following activities online: (we’ll be handing out a pamphlet with this information, and
contact numbers at the end of the presentation.)
After Dark Weekend Calendar: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/latenite/
Fun Stuff to Do Calendar: http://wellness.sa.ucsb.edu/FunStuffToDo.aspx
Campus organizations activities: https://orgsync.com/calendar?my_calendar=true
Recreation Dept. http://recreation.sa.ucsb.edu/default.aspx
For more information about partying responsibly and U.S. drinking and drug laws and
your rights, visit the Life of the Party web site: http://lifeoftheparty.sa.ucsb.edu/
After Dark Weekend Calendar: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/latenite/
Fun Stuff to Do Calendar: http://wellness.sa.ucsb.edu/FunStuffToDo.aspx
Campus organizations activities: https://orgsync.com/calendar?my_calendar=true
Recreation Dept.： http://recreation.sa.ucsb.edu/default.aspx
Life of the Party web site: http://lifeoftheparty.sa.ucsb.edu/
What’s important to know is that no matter what stresses or adjustments you face, you
are not alone. It’s important to find a connection, create balance, and to think positively.
There are so many ways to get active, meet people, join clubs, and play sports. And
with all of these options for getting involved, don’t forget to get enough sleep and eat a
healthy, regular diet.
Transition 12: Now we’ll head to Storke Tower and the Counseling and Career Services
Building.
Slide 13:
In addition to all of the previously mentioned ways to get involved, it is important to
know that there are many, many offices on campus where students can turn to for
support and assistance. All of these campus resources are free and available to all
students. You will find many of them in the SRB or close by. All of these resources are
either private or confidential.
OISS - this is a great resource to check out first to find out about options and resources and how
they might impact visa status.
There are resources on campus that are private and then there are some that are
confidential. Private resources include those offices where your information is kept private,
only shared with those who may need to respond to the incident. Confidential resources include
those offices where staff are prevented from telling anyone anything about your conversation
except in situations where your life is in danger, you are planning to harm someone, or when you
give written permission.
Student Health offers medical, psychiatric, social work and some mental health
assistance, most of these are free. This is a confidential resource with a few exceptions.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers individual and group counseling and
consultation and outreach services. CAPS can be helpful for anything from adjustment issues to
serious mental health issues to situational crisis response. Main CAPS is located across the bike
path from Storke Tower and there are satellite offices located at the Student Resource Building,
Santa Catalina, San Clemente, Student Health and the CAPS Annex. CAPS is also a confidential
resource with the exception of their mental health peer program.
• Mental Health Peers: This is a group of students who can be found within CAPS talking
about ways to manage stress. Mental Health Peers have their own office which you can visit and
take part in their additional services including using the free massage chair or egg chair.
• The Women’s Center – The staff at the Women’s Center can help you find a variety of
resources and professional staff can offer support around birth control, health issues, and other
concerns that you may have. The Women’s Center works CLOSELY with the OISS and can help
any student regardless of gender.
• The Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity (RCSGD) - On this campus students are
encouraged and supported in exploring their sexual identity and being themselves. Challenges or
confusion about how you feel about yourself and how you fit within communities can lead to
challenges with relationships. Students who are interested in or are currently in a relationship
with someone of the same sex or questioning their orientation can often face more stress, anxiety,
and loneliness. There are resources like the Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity who
can assist.
• The Disabled Students Program (DSP) works with students with permanent and temporary
disabilities on arranging academic accommodations for their classes. All students provide current
documentation of their condition, and meet with Disability Specialists to determine the
reasonable accommodations. These accommodations are activated each quarter at the student’s
discretion.
• The Alcohol and Drug Program offers free and confidential counseling for all students. This
is a good place to talk about any questions or concerns you might have or to talk about concerns
you might have for a friend. There are two locations; Student Health building on campus and
Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista across from Woodstock’s Pizza. You can make an appointment
to talk with someone through the Student Health appointment system or call the Alcohol and
Drug Program directly.
• Associated Students Food Bank provides students with free non-perishable food and daily
use items 3 days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 9am-6pm. Students are welcome
in all three days a week either for a snack or for food for the week. Food Bank is on the 3rd floor
of the University Center (UCen). Please visit foodbank.as.ucsb.edu for more information.
Transition 14: Now back to Student Resource Building momentarily, many of these other
services just mentioned are located here.
Transition 15: The Student Health building is of course another very important student
destination, that hopefully you won’t have to visit too often.
Slide 16:
Regarding, Student Health and Gaucho Health Insurance (GHI) there are a few main points that
staff at Student Health services want you to know to make visits more efficient and problem free.
First, (1) student health services are available at no charge for all international students. (2)
Student Health Services is open weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm and until 7:00 pm on
Thursdays. (3) Appointments can be made in person, online or by calling 805-893-3371. (4) If
you have an urgent care need then no appointment is needed you just need to talk with someone
in the Urgent Care department. If you require an ambulance for a medical emergency you can
call 9-1-1. (5) Dental and Vision care services are also available at Student Health – most
charges are covered by your UCSB insurance. (6) After regular hours there is also emergency
care available at local hospitals. Visit the link listed on your information sheet for more
information. (7) Finally, you should always carry your health insurance information with you in
case of emergency! You can print it out at the link listed on your information sheet or come in to
get free help from the Insurance Office in the Student Health building.
Transition 17: Now let’s take an overview look at the area we’ve covered so far.
Slide 18:
Here we wanted to illustrate that some behaviors many of us take for granted may often be
misperceived or misunderstood while in the United States. This includes being silent in the
classroom, here in the US, teachers often expect students to speak up, offer opinions and/or ask
questions in ways that show the students are actively involved in classroom discussions and
topics.
Next, when you come to a stop sign, if you don’t stop, you may get a ticket and if you are driving
with someone who grew up in the United States you may scare them half to death too.
And finally, if you get out of your car to greet a police officer if you are pulled over, police may
view you as a threat and treat you as a HOSTILE person. It’s better to stay in your car, roll down
your window, and keep your hands where police officers can see them. There are many other
cultural differences that require awareness in order to make your adjustment smooth.
Transition: This next slide is similar, but deals with often more serious issues.
Slide 19:
What we’ve been talking about so far has been basic cultural differences simply requiring the
right knowledge to understand in order to navigate systems smoothly while in the USA. For the
rest of today’s presentation we are going to be talking about more serious issues which if not
understood and not followed could lead to serious legal problems, and/or serious problems
within the University community.
For example, leaving children unattended, at home, in a car, on the playground or in any other
area is perceived differently in the United States. In fact, leaving a child unattended is against the
law and neighbors or bystanders often report these incidents by calling the police when they
view the situation as out of the ordinary and perhaps putting someone in danger. Parents are
expected to keep children close to them at all times or find appropriate care alternatives or many
people here may think the child is lost. The same goes for physical punishment; it is against the
law. Parents are expected to find other ways of disciplining their children. (delete this single
paragraph for non-graduate student groups.)
Transition: Regarding relationships...
Slide 20:
There is the possibility of having negative experiences that aren’t part of the adjustment process
and aren’t just a matter of difference in culture or difference in opinion.
If a neighbor is disturbed by loud noises or concerned about someone’s safety they may not talk
to you first, but may simply call the police. Police if called, are required to respond and will
almost always arrest someone if they perceive there has been some type of domestic disturbance.
As we will remind you again later, if you get arrested it may jeopardize your current visa status
and/or your status at the University. It’s always good to get to know your neighbors, they can
often be helpful in an emergency, and having a relationship with them may help to avoid conflict
with them.
Also, when you are being intimate with someone both persons have a responsibility to
communicate what they want to do and how far they want to go. Both need to be aware of one
another’s boundaries, limits and values. Gender or personal differences also often necessitate
important communication about expectations and desires. If you are dating someone, it is
particularly important to talk about boundaries and expectations and about how fast and under
what conditions you would want the relationship to become physically intimate.
If you are in a relationship where either of you does not wish to continue and there is a desire to
break up, then of course one may protest, or request a reason for the break up, but the bottom line
is relationships must be mutual. If one person wants to end a relationship both must respect new
limits on interaction. Repeated attempts to contact, text, facebook, etc after someone has said
they don’t want these types of contact and they have not initiated contact themselves could be
perceived as stalking. Stalking involves repeated behaviors that are potentially viewed as
harassing and/or coercive and occur when a person feels threatened, bullied, intimidated or
otherwise harassed.
Some people have negative experiences and witness behaviors that cross a line and are not
acceptable in this culture. These boundaries are important for you to know in order for you to
protect yourself from making a serious mistake in judgment or from being hurt. Knowing your
boundaries and rights can mean the difference from blaming yourself and keeping silent or
seeking out help in what might be a time of crisis.
For the rest of this hour we are going to be talking about the very serious topic of personal safety
and sexual assault. First, we will define a few different terms for you, then talk about how often
various sexual crimes and instances of domestic violence happen.
Transition: Now for some examples of unacceptable behavior.
Slide 21:
One example of unacceptable behavior involves any pattern of behavior used by one person to
maintain power and control over another person and can include verbal, emotional, or physical
behaviors. In the United States this is called domestic violence or dating violence.
- What types of behaviors would be considered dating/domestic violence? (Have
students volunteer examples that they can think of).
- Jealousy and control
- Keeping someone from their friends and family
- Insults, name-calling
- Threats and intimidation and yelling
- Breaking objects
- Physical violence such as hitting and kicking, and sexual assault,
- Making a partner do something they don’t want to do
Again, these types of behaviors are not tolerated at UCSB and anyone who is reported to the
police due to harming someone else through any of these behaviors can be arrested and be kicked
out of school and deported.
Slide 22:
Another example of unacceptable behavior involves unwanted sexual contact by one person
against another, without consent. In the United States, this is called sexual assault.
- Consent is agreement to participate in an activity that can only be given, when it is:
Immediate (consent must be given at the time, each time)
Sober (someone cannot give verbal (spoken) consent to sex if they are drinking
or under the influence of other drugs)
Verbal (must be spoken (when sober), not silently agreed to)
Consistent (there cannot be a no at any point)
- Given by someone of age of Consent (No one under the age of 18 is legally able
to give consent, some people also have disabilities that make them unable
to give consent )
- It is considered a very serious crime to engage in sexual activity without these types of
consent and this crime can lead to arrest, imprisonment, deportation and permanent
exclusion from the United States.
- What types of behaviors would be considered sexual assault?
(Have students volunteer examples that they can think of).
- Groping - touching the sexual parts of someone else’s body without their consent.
- Sex (including any type of sex).
- Forcing someone else to touch you
- This includes any situation where force, violence, or weapons are used as well as
situations where the victim is too intoxicated or scared to give consent.
- Be sure the person you’re touching wants to be touched. You can make sure by
asking them, they’ll be actively participating in the sexual activity, and if you’re not sure,
stop.
Slide 23:
Finally, another important term to know and understand is stalking, which is any pattern of
behavior which causes that person to have fear, emotional distress or concern for their safety.
- What types of behaviors would be considered stalking? (Can anyone think of an
examples of what this is?.)
- Repeatedly following someone
- Repeatedly calling someone
- Repeatedly trying to interact with someone who doesn’t want that interaction and
feels threatened by it or fearful of it.
Electronic contact, including texting and e-mailing or using social media such as
facebook to contact or monitor what someone is doing can also be considered
stalking.
Stalking behaviors can cause someone fear even if you don’t intend it to and is against the law
and university policy.
Transition: Now that we are done with definitions…
Slide 24:
Now we are going to test our knowledge about interpersonal violence at UCSB. In other
words, how much do we know about stalking, dating violence and sexual assault?
(Have the students stand up. If you think the statement is true (go to the left side of the
room, or stay standing). If you believe the statement is false (go to the right side of the
room or sit back down).
Slide 25:
Sexual and domestic violence is typically committed by someone you’re dating, a
partner, spouse, classmate, co-worker, friend, or neighbor.
Slide 26:
Sexual and domestic violence is typically committed by a dating partner, spouse,
classmate, co-worker, friend, or neighborTRUE (for the most part). Students need to be aware of this because they often know
and trust the person who commits violence against them. Typically, this type of violence
occurs in a social situation, such as a date, hanging out, at parties, or studying.
Slide 27:
Sexual assault and domestic violence happen only off campus in Isla Vista.
Slide 28:
Sexual assault and domestic violence happen only off campus in Isla Vista. –
FALSE. Many students feel that they can distance themselves from sexual and
domestic violence by avoiding social or physical contact with students in I.V., but these
acts occur everywhere, including student housing.
Slide 29:
Issues of violence are just a woman’s problem. Men are not affected.
Slide 30:
Issues of violence are just a woman’s problem. Men are not affected. – FALSE.
Sexual assault can happen to men, women and people with any sexual
orientation. Sexual assault happens by people of all genders to people of all
genders. Primarily, assaults are committed by a male student against a female student,
however same sex assaults do occur and males can be victims. Everyone is affected by
this type of violence. It makes people in the UCSB community feel unsafe and
disrespected, even if they were not directly involved. It’s important that men are involved
in ending this, it’s not just a women’s issue. Men are affected in many ways and are
also responsible for helping to create a safe and respectful community at UCSB.
Slide 31:
Relationship issues that involve violence are private matters between the two
people involved.
Slide 32:
Relationship issues that involve violence are private matters between the two
people involved. – FALSE. Violence against another person is against the law, and
against the student code of conduct. Every year, incidents of domestic/dating violence
involving international students occur. This could be any case where one person hits,
pushes, or threatens another. Being indoors does not make it allowable and bystanders
may still call police to report. There were more incidents involving international students
reported last year than in the past.
Slide 33:
A sexual assault can be caused by how a woman behaves or how she is dressed.
Slide 34:
A sexual assault can be caused by how a woman behaves or how she is dressed.
- FALSE. Nobody asks to be raped. The way someone behaves and dresses is their
choice and never a justification for sexual assault.
Slide 35:
Many people are afraid to report to the police or to talk to someone on campus about
what happened to them. Why do you think that is? (Have students come up with a few
examples about why someone might be hesitant to report.)
Examples can include: fear of not being believed, fear of being blamed, self-blame,
shock, scared of police, scared to lose immigration status, scared to get someone in
trouble.
Right. Those are all common concerns. This is why it’s so important that you know what
to do if someone tells you that they have experienced stalking, dating violence or sexual
assault. Here are a few quick things to keep in mind if someone tells you that this has
happened to them.
- Believe them. Don’t ask questions that may make them feel like it is their fault.
- Let them know whatever happened was not their fault, no matter what they were
wearing, drinking, or doing or who they were with. The only person responsible for the
sexual assault is the person who committed the sexual assault.
- Listen without telling them what to do. When a person assaults another person, they
take their choice away; therefore, it is very important for the person who has been
assaulted to be able to make their own decisions in order to begin the process of
healing and re-empowerment.
- Also, it is important to respect their decisions.
- Be a trustworthy friend, but don’t feel that if something you hear feels overwhelming
that you can’t get additional help. In fact, you can. Especially if as a result of stressors
occurring in a person’s life your friend tells you that they are thinking of harming
themselves or another person. In that situation you can also offer to help them find
resources and support and even go together with them to see someone else fors.
- Finally, let them know there are many resources, even if they are F2 or J2 visa status.
It can be helpful for them to talk with someone at the Women’s Center, Counseling &
Psychological Services, or the Office of International Students and Scholars first to find
out about additional resources and options.
Slide 36:
All of these campus resources are free and available to all students.
Remember what Confidential resources and private resources are?
• The Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) Program in the Women’s
Center has trained staff that can assist students with their medical, legal and academic
options and resources and how they might impact visa status. The Women’s Center
works CLOSELY with the Office of International Students and Scholars and can help
any student, including male and female students who are impacted by violence against
another person.
Slide 36 (cont’):
• Counseling and Psychological Services offers individual counseling. It can be helpful
for those who have been verbally, physically, or sexually abused; but also for those who
have been abusive and want to change their behavior to stop hurting others with their
words or behavior.
Private resources
• Student Health offers medical assistance, and most services are free. They are a
confidential office, but they may need to report stalking, dating violence or sexual
assault to the police. However, if the police are called, you are not obligated to speak to
them in this case.
• The UCSB Police Department responds to emergencies, makes arrests when
necessary and investigates incidents. If there is an emergency you can call 9-1-1. In the
event you are stopped by police or they come to your residence you always have the
right to remain silent and contact a lawyer. If arrested by the police it may have a
negative impact on your immigration status and lead to serious academic and career
consequences.
At what point should you contact the police? 1) If there are verbal or physical threats of
violence to one’s self or others; if someone is talking about weapons in a threatening
way or you see weapons or are scared; if there is highly disruptive behavior (hostility,
aggression, challenging to fight); if there is loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing
things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality); if there are overt suicidal
thoughts and gestures (suicide is being thought of as a potential option); or if there are
homicidal threats.
If you are walking from one place to another on both the campus or in Isla Vista, you
can receive a free personal escort by calling the Community Service Officer line. This is
a free service and offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Judicial Affairs holds students accountable to the Student Codes of Conduct, students
who harm other students by committing stalking, dating violence, sexual assault, or can
be reported and processed by this system, which can result in loss of housing contract,
suspension, and expulsion from all the Universities of California. This means serious
academic and career consequences for the person doing the harmful behavior. CARE
can be contacted first to assist and answer questions about reporting to Judicial Affairs.
Slide 37:
The most important things for you to know is that: 1) you are not alone. If someone you
know has been impacted, please contact someone in CARE or CAPS to talk through
your options with a confidential advocate or psychologist. There are many resources
and offices on campus that can help you be adjusted, happy, and successful at UCSB;
And…
Slide 38:
2) each of you plays a major role in helping keep our campus safe. There are many
ways for you to get involved and get more training on these issues.
You can become a liaison for the CARE program through a one-time, two-hour training
called CARE Connect. You become trained to help a friend if they tell you they have
experienced any form of violence, from stalking to sexual assault to dating violence.
Or, you can register to attend a more intensive, eight-hour training called Green Dot.
This training teaches you to learn the skills to say something if you see interpersonal
violence happening in your community.
There is also a quarter-long internship program called the Violence Prevention and
Intervention Program, or VIP.
The point is that we rely on all of you to help keep campus safe, and you are our
greatest resource for helping students who need assistance. We encourage you to get
involved.
We all want you to have a successful – and fun – experience while you are at UCSB.
Thank you for your time and attention today.