Foreword

Dear Merced College Colleagues, April is recognized annually as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and so our focus this month turns to a matter deeply interwoven with our core values: the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. This year, we’re proud to spotlight the strides made by our Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) program—a testament to our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful campus environment. The RSVP program embodies our relentless pursuit of not just academic excellence, but also holistic care for every member of our community. This program stands as a beacon of hope and support, offering and facilitating a wide range of resources including awareness events, survivor advocacy and support, guest speakers, specialized training for our campus police, and bystander education for faculty and classified professionals—all designed to empower and protect. In addition to telling you all about the RSVP program, we are excited to feature Carissa Hansford, who manages the program. Carissa has been working tirelessly to develop the programming, resources and relationships needed to make RSVP a success. Also in this issue, you’ll meet Daisy Castillo, a Merced College alumna who now supports our Blue Devil community as our campus advocate, through her role with the Valley Crisis Center. Our efforts in launching and nurturing the RSVP program align with our core values of student engagement, support, inclusivity, and well-being. These values are not abstract ideals but guiding principles that inform our actions and our dedication to creating a campus that is safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all its members. As we move forward, let us all commit to supporting the RSVP program and its vital mission. Participate in events and trainings when they are made available, and get to know the resources that are available to those in our community who are in need of help. Together, we can continue to build a campus culture that not only values academic success but also champions the safety and dignity of every individual. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. Sincerely,