By John Mugol
Triton’s Call Staff

The news of the sexual harassment case from a University of Guam psychology professor and a man requesting for sexual favors to women around campus have sparked some concern among students.

Angelica Carlos, a senior majoring in sociology and psychology, said she was not surprised to hear about the cases.

“Female students shouldn’t have to go the extra mile to prevent these incidents,” said Carlos. “This is a university campus, where all students expect to be safe.”

Maile Rechirei Ngiriou, a senior double majoring in biology and social work, said these types of incidences have the potential to happen anywhere.

“No matter where you are, even on campus there are…sex offenders walking among us and we don’t even know about it,” said Ngiriou.

Both Ngiriou and Carlos agree that the university should be a safe-learning environment and to have a proper policy to handle this situation.

According to the UOG Student Handbook, “the incidence of sex offenses is very slight and the University makes an effort to maintain that environment.” Any suspicion of sexual misconduct from students, faculty, and staff are therefore brought to disciplinary action.

Eden Suarez Galvez, the program coordinator at the UOG Student Life Office says to protect one another.

“These events were a shocker and you must protect your sisters, encourage them to report these instances of any kind,” said Galvez.

Ngiriou, who believes that there are unreported cases at school, also feels that UOG has the responsibility to keep students aware.

“UOG is doing a good job notifying and educating its students about violence against women as well as sexual harassment,” said Ngiriou.

The university has programs available to keep students aware of this issue such as the Women and Gender program, the Violence Against Women Prevention Program (VAWPP), the Isa Psychological Clinic, the Student Life Office, and the Enrollment and Management Student Services – just to name a few.

Suarez who agreed that there are incidences that are unreported and kept confidential says that the university is available to seek help.

“First and foremost we’re here to help, the student shouldn’t be embarrassed to tell, the student is what we wanted to protect,” said Suarez.

For incidences of sexual offenses, violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you should contact the Safety and Security Office at (671) 735-2365/70, the Security Cell (671) 888-2456, the G4S dispatch (671) 649-3127 or the Guam Police Department at (671) 472-8911 or 911 for emergencies, the Dean of the Enrollment Management and Student Services at (671) 735-2290/1, the Title IX Compliance Officer at (671) 735-2244, and the VAWPP at (671) 735-2890.