Friday Focus: ORCA - Your collaborative ally

Oct. 20, 2023

— By Kaydee Van Flein, Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability executive director and Title IX coordinator

As I look out across the Alaskan landscape, there’s no denying a change of season is happening. In this moment, I contemplate the concept of change itself. Change often ushers in a wave of emotions: fear of the unknown, moments of doubt, anticipation for what lies ahead, and sometimes, a sense of loss for what once was. Typically, it's a blend of these emotions and thoughts that color our perception of change.

At the Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability, we are steadfast in our commitment to embracing change and understanding its implications for our team and the broader campus community. Adaptability and the capacity to pivot swiftly to address individual needs infuse our work with a sense of excitement and fulfillment. People are dynamic, systems perpetually evolve and expand, and with countless moving pieces and unique requirements, it is only logical that we, as an office, as an organization, and as individuals, foster a positive outlook toward change.

In our discussions at ORCA, we often focus on what it takes for members of our community not just to survive, but to thrive. A significant part of our mission involves connecting with students, faculty and staff when they find themselves at their most vulnerable. We seek to be their partners as we journey forward together. Assistance can manifest in various forms, depending on the situation. It might be offering accountability when someone's choices negatively affect themselves or others. At times, it might involve providing emergency funding when unforeseen circumstances strike. In other instances, it could entail conducting an investigation aimed at fostering change and rectifying harm.

We cannot be effective partners without the support of a compassionate and caring community. Whether it's individuals referring someone they care about to our office, reporting something they believe is unsafe, or simply seeking guidance in challenging situations, these actions enable us to respond to the ever-evolving needs of our community.

Occasionally, we hear concerns from people who are hesitant to report to ORCA because they "don't want to get someone in trouble." To those individuals, I challenge you to reconsider this perspective. Remember that we are here to help, and sometimes, help means offering compassionate accountability. We've all had moments in life where we wish we had acted differently or had the opportunity to change our path. Referring someone to us offers precisely that – a chance to alter the course. A report means we can start providing services and care to someone who needs it and be a part of a solution that gets them the change they are seeking.

ORCA has many tools and resources available to us, both through the University and by creating valuable partnerships across the community. We serve a variety of functions to the campus such as TIX resources and investigations, Civil Rights investigations, Student Conduct and behavioral accountability, Student CARE Team, Clery Act and Drug Free Schools compliance (campus safety), and most importantly, being a partner when you need someone to believe in you and help. 

I encourage you to stop by our office (Constitution Hall, 3rd floor) and share with us how ORCA can be a good partner for all members of campus and help all Nanooks thrive! 

Take care, and please don't forget that Title IX training is due by Oct. 31. This training is essential in helping you understand your role on campus and how you can be a lifeline for others when they may need it the most.

Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.