Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi and Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Opperman sent the following message to the Ithaca campus community on March 12:

Late last night, a Cornell student reported she was sexually assaulted while trying to gain access to her apartment in Collegetown. She was ultimately able to fight off the attacker who fled the scene. Cornell Police issued a crime alert early this morning and were able to provide support to the victim last night.

Those who wish to challenge the dignity of others have again attempted to compromise our community, but we will stand firm in our resolve to reject and express our disgust at such actions.

The Cornell and Ithaca Police investigative teams are working intensively and collaboratively to identify the suspects in both assaults over the weekend and continue to actively patrol the campus and surrounding areas. Should you have any information that could contribute to their work, please call 607-255-1111.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will be holding Let’s Talk drop-in hours today from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Tatkon Center on North Campus and in the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) in 222 Tower Road, CALS Surge Facility A. An additional community support meeting will be held this evening at 5:30 p.m. in Room 158 of Goldwin Smith Hall. Community support meetings are an opportunity to come together to offer and seek emotional support.

Dean of the Faculty Charles Van Loan sent a note to faculty last night encouraging them to accommodate those students who have been impacted by these events. We also encourage all campus community members to utilize available Cornell resources, listed at the bottom of this message.

Support services

Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students may consult with counselors from Cornell Health by calling 607-255-5155. Students may speak with a peer counselor by calling EARS at 607-255-3277.

Employees may call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program at 607-255-2673. The Ithaca-based Crisisline is available at 607-272-1616. For additional resources, visit caringcommunity.cornell.edu.