Confidential Resource Advising

What is Confidential Resource Advising Services?

OPEN’s Confidential Resource Advising (CRA) Services provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance and resource navigation for Northeastern students accused of any form of sexual violence, dating violence, or stalking. 

OPEN staff who provide CRA Services work to understand the needs of students and provide options for next steps based on those needs.

Some options they can assist with include:

  • Connecting students to campus partners to establish interim remedies available (i.e., no-contact orders, housing changes, academic support)  
  • Providing referrals for ongoing counseling and/or legal services  
  • Accompanying students through Northeastern’s University process  
  • Explaining Northeastern’s policies, reporting and investigative processes, and student rights 
  • Determining what resources could be useful to meet student’s needs and expediting connections 

OPEN staff strive to provide inclusive and affirming services for students of all backgrounds and identities. For OPEN’s full framework and approach to sexual violence services, see here. 

How can I connect with CRA Services? 

The best way to connect to Confidential Resource Advising Services is to fill out OPEN’s Sexual Violence Service Request Form and select “Confidential Resource Advising”. You will need to log in with your Northeastern credentials.   

Email open@northeastern.edu with any additional questions about CRA Services. OPEN staff monitor appointment requests and email Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET, and will reply to requests as soon as possible, typically within two business days. 

Who are CRA Services for?

Confidential Resource Advisors (CRA) offer services to all current Northeastern undergraduate and graduate students across the Global University System. This service is often utilized by students who:  

  • Have been accused by peers, partners, and/or via social media posts for engaging in unhealthy or harmful sexual behaviors
  • Are going through an investigation/adjudication process with the University as a respondent 
  • Have been found responsible for engaging in unhealthy or harmful sexual behaviors by the University 
  • Are concerned they have been engaging in unhealthy or harmful sexual behaviors 

Staff

Kyla Martin (she/her)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I connect with CRA Services?

A student can connect with CRA Services at any point they would like to. We encourage students to connect early so that they are not alone in navigating an accusation and/or process and to give ample time to connect to on- or off-campus resources of interest. 

Are CRA Services confidential?

Yes, all OPEN programs and services are confidential. For more information on the scope of OPEN’s confidentiality and other confidential resources at Northeastern please visit this link. 

How should I prepare for a CRA Services meeting?

A student does not need to do anything to prepare for a meeting. They can share as much or as little information as they want and can simply set up a meeting to learn about on and off-campuses resources. 

Do CRA Services provide therapy?

CRA Services do not provide counseling, however they can help students connect to providers on- or off-campus. See the resources page for more information on options for mental health support. 

Do CRA Services provide legal advice?

While CRA Services do not provide legal advice, they can support a student in connecting to legal resources off campus.   

What are my rights as a “respondent” in a University Title IX/SGBH process?

Regardless of what the allegations are, all students have the right to request: 

  1. A no-contact order, which prohibits university community members from direct/indirect communication. 
  1. Discuss options for a judicial restraining order or harassment prevention order through an off-campus district court, and/or pursue criminal charges. 
  1. Support in obtaining alternative housing options. 
  1. Transportation to local hospitals or area courts. 
  1. Academic support, schedule changes, and/or other academic remedies. 
  1. Employment support, job assignment, work schedule, and/or work remedies. 
  1. Exploration of emergency or medical leave, if appropriate. 
  1. Connections to confidential medical care and counseling on or off-campus.

Student Feedback

“The CRA is a safe space to go during some of the toughest moments you could face at Northeastern. CRA Staff really made me feel fully supported, heard, and believed. They were really there for me during one of the hardest struggles I’ve ever faced.” 

CRA Feedback Survey 2023-2024

“There is no need to be afraid of this conversation, CRA Staff are very open and easy to speak with.”

CRA Feedback Survey 2023-2024

“I felt taken care of and without prejudice, while it was both professional and personal.” 

CRA Feedback Survey 2023-2024