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Seeking Support

People who experience or witness concerning behavior may have different needs at different times. Some may want to better understand their options or talk with someone before deciding what to do. Others may be looking for support, an educational or restorative response, or a formal process.

You do not need to determine on your own which office or process is the “right” one before reaching out. Choose the resource that seems like the best place to start, and staff will help connect you with another office or process if needed. Vassar has multiple avenues for support:

  • CARE Office (Care Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, and Education). Care Coordination supports students by helping them build support networks, navigate health insurance, access resources, and receive outreach during times of distress or after hospitalization/leave. Phone: (845) 437-7740. Email: care@vassar.edu.
  • Community Expectations. The Office of Community Expectations guides students in understanding how their choices affect both themselves and the broader community. Through dialogue, accountability, and fair consequences, the office encourages students to practice critical thinking, take responsibility for their actions, and engage in a process that promotes integrity, learning, and personal growth. Main Building, Room 160. Email: communityexpectations@vassar.edu. Phone: (845) 437-5860.
  • Office for Institutional Equity. The College encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation to contact the Office for Institutional Equity. A member of the Institutional Equity team will meet with the individual, in person or online, to discuss supportive measures and available options, from informal resolution to a formal complaint. Reporting to or talking with the office does not mean a formal process will begin. Email: equity@vassar.edu. Phone: (845) 437-7924.
  • Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP). The Office of RSLCP oversees, advises, and supports religious, spiritual, and contemplative life at Vassar. Staff members are available to all students for pastoral care and spiritual support, offering guidance around questions, concerns, or personal exploration. The office includes an Associate Dean for RSLCP, a Director of Jewish Student Life and Assistant Director for RSLCP, an Advisor for Muslim Student Life, and part-time affiliate advisors serving various communities. Phone: (845) 437-5550. Email: rsl@vassar.edu.
  • Restorative Practices for Engaged Pluralism (Confidential Resource). The director for the Office for Restorative Practices supports students in navigating conflict and harm through dialogue, accountability, and repair. RP offers confidential spaces to share experiences, connect with resources, and explore resolution options such as restorative circles or facilitated conversations. The goal is to help students heal, rebuild trust, and strengthen their community connections. Phone: (845) 437-5606. Email: rp@vassar.edu.
  • Social Identity Harm (SIH) Advocates. Social Identity refers to the categories—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and more—that shape how individuals see themselves, are perceived by others, and experience access, privilege, or marginalization. The SIH Reporting process enables students to share incidents and receive support from SIH Advocates, who are trained in active listening, safeguarding privacy, and connecting students to essential resources. While they are not a confidential resource, they offer compassionate support and practical guidance to help students navigate their options. Reporting to SIH enables the institution to gather data, better understand, and address these impacts. Connect with an SIH Advocate and make a report.
  • Student Growth and Engagement (SGE). SGE facilitates efforts to promote an environment that helps all students thrive, with particular attention to those served by affinity resources such as: First-Year Experience (FYE), the Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center, Office of International Services (OIS), the LGBTQ+ Center, and the First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program).
  • Student House Team. Student Fellows, Community Fellows, and House Student Advisors are confidential peer resource providers trained to support students with common social, personal, and academic challenges. They offer guidance, connection to resources, and a supportive presence within the residential community.

An important part of the Campus Climate Group’s work is helping make these pathways clearer and better coordinated while preserving the choice and agency of those seeking assistance.

For additional information about the Campus Climate Group’s work, guidance, and current areas of focus, please see the “Updates” section.