Mount Allison University welcomed Tasia Alexopoulos as the new Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Co-ordinator. Alexopoulos began her role on October 19, 2021.
 
Working within the Student Affairs team, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Co-ordinator will play a leadership role in programming and support focused on prevention and education related to sexual harassment and violence on campus.    

Alexopoulos, who holds a PhD in Gender Studies, has taught at several universities including Mount Allison, and has also worked for community organizations focused on sexual health and gender equity. Her research area focuses on the historical understanding of law and policy around sexual violence in North America. 
 
“I am excited to be back at Mount Allison in this new role,” says Alexopoulos. “I’m looking forward to working with individuals across campus and in the community to move forward together and build a more justice-based community.”
 
Mount Allison Vice-President, International and Student Affairs Anne Comfort says Alexopoulos’s academic and applied experience in the field will be valuable as the University continues its work in the area of sexual violence prevention and awareness.   

“I am pleased to welcome Tasia back to Mount Allison in this new role as we collectively navigate for change at Mount Allison in this important area,” says Comfort. “Working within the Student Affairs team, she will continue to build on supports and community partnerships in the University’s programming and resources around sexual violence education, prevention, and response.”

In addition to her academic work, Alexopoulos has developed and facilitated workshops in trauma and informed health and also worked with the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada as their social media co-ordinator.
 
The Co-ordinator position will focus on education and prevention, sharing information about support resources available and also identifying where new resources or programs are needed. While not an intake position, Alexopoulos will be working with colleagues in the Wellness Centre, Mount Allison students, faculty, staff, and external organizations to help determine areas where further support is needed and provide training and educational opportunities to the University community.   

The position was developed as part of an independent review of Mount Allison’s policies and procedures in response to disclosers and reports of sexual violence on campus in 2020. The review was completed by the Canadian Centre for Legal Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (CCLISAR) and released publicly in July 2021. Regular updates are also shared at the above link. 
 
Alexopoulos will lead a review of existing polices and processes, in consideration with the CLISSAR policy recommendations. 
 
The University is continuing its partnerships with three local counselling offices to help provide support for students, including those who are BIPOC and LGBTQ. External counselling services are partially covered through the MASU health insurance plan, available to all Mount Allison students. University Wellness Centre counsellors who are trauma informed and trained will continue to be the main point of intake and disclosures this academic year with an independent trained investigator providing services when required.
 
University community members can find Alexopoulos in the University’s Wellness Centre, on the ground floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre. 
 
More information about the University’s services around student health, including sexual violence and prevention, can be found at https://mta.ca/current-students/health-and-wellness