Early Wednesday morning, the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD) broadcast an emergency notification to the campus community that they were investigating a sexual assault that was reported Tuesday evening. The statement read:

“It was reported to the Oakland University Police Department on Tuesday, December 7, that a sexual assault took place in a residence hall on campus between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on that day. The suspect and the person who reported the incident were acquaintances.

The suspect is described as a male with brown eyes and black hair, approximately 21 years old. He stands approximately 5 feet, 6” tall and weighs approximately 190 pounds.”

This report was the second broadcast concerning sexual assault that the campus community has received this semester, the first coming on Oct. 8 concerning the investigation of a sexual assault that took place on campus last May.

OUPD outlines the following about reporting and preventing sexual assault:

The Oakland University Police Department recommends that campus community members familiarize themselves with what constitutes sexual assault and, as a community, be vigilant in stopping it.

• Always seek consent. Stop your sexual advances if the other person indicates no interest, and especially if they say “no.”

• The absence of a “no” is not a “yes.”

• If you have sex with a person who is incapacitated or unable to resist or consent (due to alcohol, drugs or unconsciousness) you are committing a sexual assault.

• Call for help if you witness a crime.

• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably is not the best place to be.

• If you feel your safety is at risk, or need assistance or an escort on campus; please contact the Oakland University Police Department