- Director: Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert
- Assistant Director: Carly Gierke
- Office Manager: Addie Bressler
- Counselor: Suzanne Krumpelman
- Number of staff members: 3 full-time
- Do you have student staff? 1 graduate assistant and 4 undergraduate peer educators
Purpose of the department, what does your department do?
The SRVC provides victim advocacy and education services related to sexual and relationship violence. Sexual assault and relationship violence are traumatic experiences. Often one does not know where to turn for help. The SRVC provides confidential services to help students understand their options and resources. Individual’s choices of which available options and resources to use are always respected. All SRVC advocacy services are available at no cost. The SRVC recognizes that sexual and relationship violence can happen to anyone and openly welcomes all victims/survivors for services. All services are at no cost, focus on students, and confidential.
Tell us about your programs and/or signature events:
SRVC staff specialize in serving college students. Individualized victim advocacy is provided by trained and nationally certified victim advocates to assist students with navigating systems and helping throughout the individual’s healing journey. In addition to victim advocacy, counseling and support group services are available to assist victims/survivors with emotional support.
The SRVC conducts various education programs throughout the academic year. SRVC staff and peer educators are available for education presentations on various topics that can be tailored to the participants needs. The SRVC oversees a multitude of outreach initiatives throughout the year to raise greater awareness of sexual and relationship violence across the campus community. Such initiatives serve to provide general understanding of pertinent issues and encourage individuals to learn more.
Several signature programs are offered by the SRVC. The RESPECT peer education program, renowned and recognized with many regional and national awards, provides education and outreach across campus through innovative programs. “Furst Tuesday” has become widely popular over the past couple of years. Partnering with Love on a Leash, the SRVC hosts therapy dogs on the evening of the first Tuesday of the month for the fall and spring semesters. This outreach initiative is fun with dogs, crafting, and informative education that changes each month. And little do many realize that the worldwide phenomenon “What Were You Wearing? Survivor Art Installation” originated at the University of Arkansas.
How are you contributing to the Advancing Student Affairs Strategic Plan:
By far, student success is paramount. Most of the students we work with can continue their academic paths as they receive support from the SRVC. Dealing with the trauma of sexual and relationship violence can be all-consuming and derail a person. With assistance and supportive services from the SRVC, students often identify that they find a supportive path forward.
What do you want to brag about?
The efforts of SRVC staff are second to none in terms of compassion, dedication, and respect when serving students. All staff members maintain a high priority on student’s well-being and personal autonomy. Whether it’s through advocacy, counseling, or education, everyone involved with the SRVC has a deeply held belief in our mission and in serving the students at the University of Arkansas. The RESPECT peer educators have proven time and time again that they are deserving of the multiple awards for original, relevant, and impactful programming. And, as a caring and cohesive unit, the staff completes complex work under varied and often challenging conditions.