Sonoma State University

Message from the President - Seawolves Stand Together: Our Commitment to Prevention, Safety, and Community

Friday, October 9, 2026, 12:05pm

Dear Seawolf Community,

Like many of you, I have been troubled by the recent reports of sexual violence involving students at Cornell University. While these incidents occurred elsewhere, I know that hearing about sexual violence can be difficult, particularly for those who have experienced it or supported someone who has.

These reports remind us why our work at Sonoma State matters. Every student and employee deserves to feel safe and respected. The responsibility for sexual violence always rests with the person who causes harm, but we all have a role in building a community where we look out for one another, speak up, and help prevent harm.

Over the past several years, Sonoma State has strengthened its approach to preventing and responding to sexual and interpersonal violence. With the addition of a dedicated Prevention and Education Coordinator and Peer Ambassadors in the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD), we have centralized the coordination of prevention, education, and support programming. This team works closely with other campus partners and the Prevention Education and Support Programming Partners (PEAS-PP) team, who have expanded education and outreach in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations.

Our efforts target both harm prevention and harm reduction. Some recent initiatives include the Red Zone campaign, It’s a Guy Thing: Promoting Accountability, Seawolves CARE About Consent, Seawolves Stand Together, Bystander Intervention workshops, and programming during Awareness Months for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Healthy Relationships, and Sexual Assault. I am especially proud of our Peer Ambassadors, who lead conversations through programs such as Real Talk: Machismo, Healthy Relationships in the Queer Community, Unscripted, Greek Life: Setting the Standard, and Marianismo: Cultural Pressures & Healthy Relationships. These types of programs encourage students to challenge harmful attitudes, build healthy relationships, and take an active role in preventing violence.

A central focus of our prevention efforts is emphasizing personal responsibility, respecting boundaries, understanding consent, and ensuring that our actions do not cause harm to others. We also emphasize that when community members see harm occurring, Seawolves stand up for one another. Through the 4 Ds of bystander intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay, we teach that there are different ways to safely intervene, whether by speaking up, interrupting a situation, getting help, or checking in afterward.
We will continue working with our campus and community partners to expand these efforts. If you would like to get involved or bring a prevention workshop or conversation to your class or organization, please contact prevention@sonoma.edu.

An Invitation to Come Together

News of sexual and interpersonal violence can bring up difficult feelings and experiences. I invite you to join our campus partners for a Restorative Community Circle, where students, faculty, and staff can come together to talk, listen, and support one another.

Restorative Community Circle: Coming Together in Care and Community

  • Date: Thursday, October 22 at noon
  • Location: International Hall 200A

Whether you have been directly or indirectly impacted by interpersonal violence or simply want to be part of the conversation, you are welcome. There is no pressure to speak or share personal experiences. You are welcome to show support simply by listening. While the circle is not a confidential counseling or reporting process, it offers a supportive space to connect with others. I hope you will join in the conversation.

Support and Reporting Options

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of harm, support is available. 

Additional options, including resources immediately following an assault, can be found on the OPHD Resources Page. You do not need to know what you want to do next to ask for help.

Moving Forward Together

I am grateful to the students, faculty, staff, and community partners who contribute to this work. We have made progress, but there is more to do. We will continue to invest in prevention, listen to our community, and strengthen our partnerships.
In the meantime, I ask each of you to look out for one another. Check in with your friends and colleagues. Speak up when something doesn't seem right. Small actions can make a real difference.

Seawolves Stand Together, and we stand up for one another.

Warmly,
 

Michael E. Spagna's Signature