Fall 2025 Newsletter Topics:
The Title IX Office releases a semesterly newsletter to update the campus community about planned activities, important updates, and opportunities for engagement. Below you can find our news and updates for the current semester.
1. VARCC Updates
Located on the third floor of Old Johnson Hall, the VARCC continues to provide a single point of contact and support for victims of dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual harassment and discrimination.
With representatives from the Title IX Office, CARE Team, University Counseling Center, 20:1 Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program, and the Crime Victims Assistance Center, the VARCC offers comprehensive services to survivors by helping them navigate formal reporting processes and supporting their healing journey.
This summer, we welcomed a new member to our team, Ariel Hochman, the CVAC Campus Advocate Coordinator. Our student staff for the fall will include one returning staff member, Amanda Monteros (Receptionist), and two new additions: Sanjana Shivanand (Graduate Assistant) and Alicia Carvalho-Evans (Receptionist). More information from our student staff members is included at the end of this newsletter. We have made recent upgrades to our website, including updating our appointment form, adding information about our Lending Library, and incorporating new photos.
During the Fall 2025 semester, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator is available in the VARCC on Friday afternoons or by appointment.
2. Education and Presentations
The Title IX Office anticipates reaching over 1,000 members of the campus community during several presentations scheduled for the Fall 2025 semester. Groups we will be presenting to include:
· All Residential Life staff,
· The Graduate Student Organization Executive Board and Subgroups,
· Writing Initiative Instructors,
· The Athletics Department,
· Campus Recreation staff,
· Club Sports student leadership,
· Telefund staff,
· and more!
Anyone interested in a presentation from the Title IX Office can contact Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Andrew Baker (607-777-2486 or abaker@binghamton.edu) or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Katy Perry (607-777-3214 or cperry@binghamton.edu). We are eager to meet more members of the campus community and are happy to customize our presentations to meet the needs of your group. Please visit our webpage for more information about presentations!
3. Professional Development
The Title IX staff have completed required annual training from the SUNY Student Conduct Institute, and have engaged in over 30 hours of additional training from the SUNY Office of General Counsel, D. Stafford & Associates, and several other professional organizations and national-level experts in Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, the Clery Act, and New York State Education Law. This semester, the Title IX Office will attend the Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference through the University of Vermont. The Title IX Office is a member of the Title IX and Equity Alliance through the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals. Andrew Baker and Katy Perry continue to serve as executive board members for the SUNY Title IX Coordinators Association as the President and Treasurer, respectively.
4. Ways to Meet Us!
The Title IX Office will be represented at multiple tabling events this semester. We hope to see you at our first event, University Fest, on 8/23/25.
We will be distributing brochures, printed educational materials, and swag at these events. If you visit us and say you read about meeting us in the Title IX Newsletter, you’ll be eligible for a special bonus prize!
Bonus: Meet the VARCC's New Student Staff Members:
We’re thrilled to welcome a pair of new faces to the VARCC student staff! Each brings a sense of comfort, care and compassion that will help them in serving the campus community. Get to know them below—and join us in giving them a warm welcome!
Sanjana Shivanand
Major: M.S. in Computer Science
Why do you think the services of the VARCC are important?
The VARCC is such a vital space on campus because it gives a secure space for students to talk and seek help when they're going through something difficult. It gives students a place where they’re not judged — just supported. Sometimes, even just having someone listen without rushing to fix everything can make a huge difference.
Additionally, it also assists students understand their rights and options, which
can be incredibly empowering when circumstances seem to be out of control. On top
of that, VARCC helps the campus community by bringing crucial discussions to the forefront
that many people might otherwise avoid. Whether it’s through events, resources, or
one-on-one support, VARCC reminds students that they’re never alone and that help
is always available.
Why did you choose to be a part of the VARCC?
I wanted to be involved in a space where empathy, listening, and support really matter. It felt like more than just a job — it seemed like a meaningful opportunity to be part of something that supports people when they need it most. The idea of helping create an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and safe really resonated with me. I believe this experience will help me better understand how to approach sensitive situations with care and compassion. The collaborative and encouraging atmosphere is something I’m excited to be part of, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a space where support and learning go hand-in-hand.
I’m really looking forward to starting this role because I know it’s going to help
me grow in so many ways. On a personal level, I think it will push me to become more
empathetic, patient, and better at listening — all things I truly value. Being in
a space like VARCC, where communication and support are key, will definitely shape
how I connect with others, not just in the job but in life in general.
Alicia Carvalho-Evans
Major: Neuroscience, minor in history
Why do you think the services of the VARCC are important?
The services of the VARCC are so important for fostering an understanding, accepting and supportive community for victims and survivors of sexual assault or violence. The office is such a safe space for someone struggling to process any difficult emotions and also to talk about any situation that might have happened.
Why is the VARCC important to you/why did you choose the VARCC?
We provide such a nurturing environment that continues to spread awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault. It is so important to show survivors continuous support and help them understand options that they have going forward— whether it’s to seek mental health support or pursue justice in their situation.
This job is a great opportunity to assist an office that works towards supporting
survivors of sexual violence. I have always wanted to work in healthcare and a big
part of the appeal of this position is the opportunity to work closely with a patient
by starting communication and presenting assistance – both from a mental wellness
standpoint and legal standpoint.