Message From Your

Chief Compliance & Diversity Officer

Greetings, CCNY family! As we embark on another school year, we want to ensure that your journey at The City College of New York is not just enriching but also safe and supportive. We invite you to take advantage of our resources that can enhance your experience and help you navigate this adventure. Whether you have questions about Sexual Misconduct (Title IX & non-Title IX), Discrimination, or ADA 504 Accommodation Appeals, The Office of Compliance & Diversity is your go-to team! Remember, no question is too small, and reaching out to us doesn’t mean you’re filing a formal complaint. So, let’s make this FALL 2025 a successful, enjoyable, and safe one together. Here’s to new beginnings and a vibrant CCNY community!

Warm wishes,

Sheryl Konigsberg

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

MEDICAL ATTENTION, SUPPORT AND REPORT OPTIONS

If you have experienced sexual violence, CCNY is here to support you and help you navigate options for your recovery.

YOU MAY CHOOSE MULTIPLE OPTIONS:

IN AN EMERGENCY ON-CAMPUS CALL PUBLIC SAFETY AT

212-650-7777

AND OFF-CAMPUS CALL 911

FILING A COMPLAINT

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT*DISCRIMINATION*RETALIATION

or use the QR codes below.

or use the QR codes below.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Q&A

**OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

AWARENESS MONTH**

Dating violence and domestic violence are both included in CUNY’s Sexual Misconduct Policy as forms of PROHIBITED conduct. You can read the definitions of each in Section III, page 5, of the Policy.

If a member of the CUNY community is alleged to have committed an act of dating violence or domestic violence, that person will be subject to investigation by our Office and, if found responsible, subject to disciplinary action. 

Q: What if I have been subjected to dating or domestic violence? Can the school do anything to help keep me safe? 

A: Absolutely. There are a number of accommodations and services that we can provide for you. For example, the school can issue no-contact orders mandating that parties to an abusive relationship stay away from each other. CCNY also reserves the authority to remove an individual from a class or even bar someone from campus if necessary to maintain the safety of others.

Q: What if the person who committed the abuse doesn’t go to a CUNY school? 

A: Come talk to us anyway! While our Office does not have the authority to discipline someone who is not within the jurisdiction of the school, we still want to offer you services and ensure that you feel as safe as possible while getting your education here at CCNY. 

Q: I’m too scared to report what has happened to me, but I still need help! 

A: We understand, and that’s okay. Luckily there are a number of CONFIDENTIAL resources available to you right here on campus. You can read more about those in Section VI, page 12, of the Policy. But we recommend starting with our Office’s Confidential Advocate, Sophie English, who can consult with you during this difficult time. You may decide later that you wish to report the conduct – either to law enforcement or to CCNY administration – and Sophie can help you navigate that. 

Q: What are some “red flags” in relationships?

A: Sometimes it’s not one big thing, but a pattern that leaves you feeling uneasy. A few to watch for:

• They try to pull you away from friends or family.

• They track your whereabouts or want control over your choices.

• They put you down, even as “jokes.”

• You feel nervous about how they’ll react if you disagree.

• The relationship moves at lightning speed with intense declarations right away.

• If you’re feeling small, unsafe, or like you’re losing yourself, pay attention to that inner voice—it’s there to protect you. One red flag doesn’t always mean abuse—but if you notice patterns that make you feel unsafe, pressured, or diminished, trust your instincts and reach out for support.

Q: My friend might be in an abusive relationship. How can I help?

A: It’s hard to watch someone you care about get hurt. The best way to support them is to be a safe, steady presence—not to push or judge.

• Show concern, not accusations: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately, and I’m worried about you.”

• Listen more than you talk. Let them share at their own pace.

• Stay connected. Isolation makes abuse worse.

• Gently offer resources: “If you ever want to talk to someone, here’s a number you can call…”

• Leaving can be complicated and even dangerous. Knowing you’re there—without pressure—can make all the difference.

Remember: You are not alone! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Connected and Protected: Making Smart Choices in Digital Spaces

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

2pm - 5pm

at CUNY Graduate Center

365 5th Avenue 

New York, NY 10016

(There will be a ZOOM option)

*Attendees will receive credit for their attendance—meaning they will not need to complete the required annual cybersecurity training modules via Brightspace!

CCNY in conjunction with The Graduate Center and Baruch College are planning a Digital Safety event, on October 15, 2025 (as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month).

From 2-3pm, attendees can come for a live Cybersecurity training.

From 3:30-5pm, Adam Dodge, from ENDTab will be presenting on technology facilitated gender-based violence, with a focus on AI-generated harm. 

Presentation Overview

In this engaging session designed for students and the broader campus community, we'll explore how to recognize and respond to emerging digital safety challenges affecting college students today. From AI-powered scams to facial recognition stalking to AI chatbot companions, we'll break down how anyone can protect themselves and support their peers when navigating online spaces and connection in the age of AI. Discussion topics include:

Undressing apps and ‘deepfake’ apps: How image-based sexual abuse continues to evolve - and ways student can protect themselves and others.

AI Relationships: The landscape of AI-powered Romance, Therapy, Friendship and Para-Social Relationships (including OnlyFans) is exploding and fundamentally changing how students connect and socialize. It is critical students understand how to use these powerfully addictive apps safely.

Image-Based Stalking: Chat GPT can tell you where a photo was taken. Facial

recognition search engines can find every photo of us online. These are powerful stalking tools - but these privacy violations can be prevented if we empower students with timely guidance.

Catfishing, Romance and Financial Scams: Scammers are utilizing extremely powerful tools to deceive and defraud victims online, including the use of voice

cloning, AI-generated images, live face-swapping and wingman apps. By keeping students aware of these tactics, they can better identify the red flags hiding in plain sight.

EXHALE TO INHALE YOGA

CCNY is proud to be one of ten NY colleges selected for the Wellness to Wellbeing Program from Exhale to Inhale—an initiative designed to promote student wellness through trauma-informed practices. In collaboration with the Office of Compliance and Diversity and Gender Resources, CCNY offered accessible, healing-centered yoga experiences for our campus community.

These 45-minute yoga classes center around a weekly theme: Connect, Anchor, Experience, Restore, Empower, Resilience, Intention, Mindfulness, Courage, Curiosity, Self-Acceptance, and Worthiness, to cultivate a focus throughout practice. Although the curriculum is progressive, you are welcome to join class during any stage throughout the semester. Our classes are beginner-friendly! 

Want to practice at home? Sign up for On-Demand yoga classes, and get a folder of recorded yoga classes sent to your inbox every week. You can practice on your own, at any time, 24/7. To sign up visit: On-Demand Program. 

CULTIVATING COMMUNITIES OF CARE LEADERSHIP SERIES

LAUNCHING IN OCTOBER

Led by Eric McGriff, the Cultivating Communities of Care Leadership Program is a 3-part series designed to help students develop skills and confidence to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact. Through a series of interactive sessions, reflection, and dialogue, students will learn how to embrace intersectionality, engage allies, and harness collective action to create lasting change. This program invites participants to step into their leadership with authenticity, strengthening their capacity to care for themselves and their communities, and become catalysts for transformation on campus and beyond. Session topics include Leading at the Intersections: Embracing Intersectionality, Engaging Allies, and Collective Action & Impact.

This program is co-sponsored by the Spitzer School of Architecture, Gender Resources, Office of Compliance and Diversity, and Crime Victims Treatment Center.

Please email senglish@ccny.cuny.edu with any questions.



Eric McGriff

(Violence Prevention & Community Development Specialist)

Eric McGriff (he/him) is a Violence Prevention Specialist & Facilitator, with over 15 years of experience working with communities, Victim Service Agencies, and government entities to prevent & respond to harm. He is the Prevention Coordinator at the Crime Victims Treatment Center, and a Consultant Speaker/Trainer for the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center. His work to create healthier communities combines methods from the fields of Public Health, Organizational Psychology and Change, and Trauma-Informed Care. Guided by principles of cultural humility, psychological safety, and collaboration, Eric’s work taps into the strengths & expertise that exist in every community, to help them navigate toward their highest possibilities.

OTHER CAMPUS EVENTS

Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes 

Tuesdays, September 16- Dec 2 | 1-1:45 PM | Wingate Hall, Room 104 | RSVP 

Yoga classes designed to help you de-stress and connect with your body. 

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH!

The Voice of Women’s Rights in Mexico and Beyond 

Tuesday, September 30 | 6–9 PM | Shepard Hall, Room 107 | RSVP 

Join us for a powerful short film and Q&A featuring our special guest, Lorena Gutiérrez. After the 2015 femicide of her 12-year-old daughter Fátima, Lorena became a tireless advocate for women’s rights in Mexico and beyond. 

Clothesline Project 

Tuesday, October 7 | 12–3 PM | NAC Rotunda 

Stop by our table to design a t-shirt sharing your story or message of support for survivors of violence. 

Digital Safety Forum 

Wednesday, October 15 | 2–5PM | CUNY Grad Center | RSVP

Digital Safety featuring guest speaker Adam Dodge,

founder of ENDTab, discussing how emerging technologies such as AI and deepfake

apps are creating new forms of gender-based violence. 

Go Purple Day! 

Thursday, October 16 | 12 PM–2 PM | NAC Rotunda  

Wear purple to show your support for survivors and stand against domestic violence. Share your outfit on Instagram with #NYCGoPurple and #ItTakesAllOfUs to let survivors know they are never alone. 

Speed Friending  

Thursday, October 23 | 12:30–2 PM | NAC Ballroom | RSVP 

Looking to expand your social circle and meet new

people? Connect and engage in meaningful conversations about healthy

relationships and affirmative consent. 

Gaymers Against Violence Series: Navigating Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community 

Tuesday, October 28 | NAC 1/101B | 12–2 PM | RSVP

Play video games, tabletop games, card games, and more while learning anti-violence prevention best practices.

DVAM Events co-sponsored by Office of Compliance and Diversity, Gender Resources, Student Affairs, LGBTQ+ Student Center, Immigration Student Center for Resources & Research, Crime Victims Treatment Center, Exhale to Inhale, Anti-Violence Project.

JOB SEARCH TIPS

**For Faculty & Staff**

**For additional Job Search questions please contact Tamara Smailling at tsmalling@ccny.cuny.edu