“These are delicate issues. We wanted students to be able to speak freely and not worry about their comments leaving the room,” she said.

“A large crowd...or lack of privacy can create a chilling effect for students who are sharing personal opinions or experiences with issues of sexuality and harassment,” said Assistant Provost Marsha H. Semuels.

“Everyone was very comfortable in the discussion—I am always in favor of small group settings for issues related to sexual harassment,” said Susan B. Marine, who was recently appointed director of sexual assault prevention services.

In an effort to publicize the Leaning Committee’s efforts, the Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) posted flyers around campus on Monday.

“The Leaning Committee is making great outreach efforts to get student opinions on sexual harassment issues,” said CASV member Alisha C. Johnson ’04. “But students need to be more aware of its existence—they need to know that it’s a really great place to voice their concerns to effect change.”

As part of the University’s effort to inform the campus about the new sexual assault policy this fall, College administrators have also created a presentation detailing the impact of the new corroboration requirement on the Ad Board’s investigations.

Assistant Deans of the College David B. Fithian and Karen E. Avery ’87 hosted members from CASV, Response and the Leaning Committee last Monday to present and discuss the College’s sexual assault policy.

During the presentation, Avery cited campus resources available to sexual assault victims. Fithian then compared how the Ad Board would investigate a sexual assault complaint under the new policy with how an investigation would taken place in the past.

Fithian said the meeting was set up to explain the new procedural change to concerned students and members of the Leaning Committee.

He added that he has already given the presentation to SASH tutors, new resident tutors, nurses at University Health Services and Harvard University Police Department officers.

Johnson said during the meeting that she thinks the administration needs to explain the procedural change to the student body—not just to those students who are concerned about the issue.

—Anne K. Kofol contributed to the reporting of this story.