Campus Confidential Resources

All CalArts faculty, staff, and teaching assistants with teaching responsibilities are responsible employees and are obligated by CA Education Code  to report any gender- or sex-based discrimination or harassment to the Institute’s Title IX coordinator. This includes all incidents of alleged sexual or dating violence.

If you wish to obtain confidential assistance without making a report to CalArts, you may do so by speaking confidentially with professionals who are obligated by law to maintain confidentiality, subject to the stated terms of confidentiality by that office or designated by the Institute. At CalArts, students may speak confidentially with any of the professionals listed below.

Information shared with CalArts counselors and the confidential student resource advocate will not be shared without consent, unless the disclosure is specifically permitted or required by law, such as when the circumstances pose an imminent risk of harm to self or others, or when the report involves the suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18.

These confidential professionals can assist in identifying campus and off-campus resources and support options. Campus confidential resources can discuss and explain the sexual misconduct and Title IX processes including protections against retaliation when deciding whether to file a complaint with the Institute to be addressed and/or investigated. 

Confidential student resource advocate (available 24/7)

• Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht

  Student Affairs;
  Vice President for Student Affairs;
  Chief Student Affairs Officer

  Email address: agarrison@calarts.edu

  Phone number: 661-554-2588

  Room number: F301

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What our on-campus Advocate provides

1. 24/7 on-call confidential response to students with questions in case of a possible violation of sexual respect guidelines. Please call 661-713-5325.
2. The Advocate accompanies students to the Sheriff’s or LAPD station to report an assault if you choose that course.
3. Advises students on the various campus resources and the Title IX process in a confidential setting.
4. The Advocate accompanies students to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, CATS in Van Nuys, or the Rape Crisis Center in Santa Monica if you choose to seek medical attention.
5. Provides only date, time, and gender identity of parties in alleged offenses to Campus Safety for the purpose of Clery Act reporting requirements.
6. The Advocate provides support in accessing on-campus resources to assist you in your processing of the matter.

What the Advocate cannot provide

1. In-the-moment counseling services. For those needs, please contact the Wellness Center on campus at 661-388-5306, Protocall for after-hours needs at 855-364-7981, or RAINN National Sexual Assault Confidential Hotline at 800-656-4673.
2. We cannot offer medical advice or provide medical services in the immediate aftermath of an assault. You are encouraged to visit your nearest Emergency Room or the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center - UCLA or at 424-259-7208. This is available 24/7. You may also visit the Center for Assault Treatment Services in Van Nuys, CA.
3. We cannot provide legal advice. However, the local District Attorney’s office has services for those wishing to engage in the legal process of filing charges. They can be reached at 800-380-3811. You may also contact organizations such as Peace Over Violence for assistance.

CalArts counselors

• Schedule an appointment

• Melissa Shepherd-Williams

  Student Affairs;
  Psychotherapist LMFT, MFC 37794

  Email address: mshepherd@calarts.edu

  Phone number: 661-253-7871

  Room number: F201H

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• Susan Perry

  Student Affairs;
  Psychotherapist, LMFT 110701, Health and Wellness

  Email address: sperry@calarts.edu

  Phone number: 661-386-4105

  Room number: F201H

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• Lily Rodriguez

  Student Affairs;
  Psychotherapist, LMFT 113413, Health and Wellness

  Email address: lrodriguez@calarts.edu

  Phone number: 661-291-3436

  Room number: F201H

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CalArts 24/7 counseling line

This resource is dedicated to CalArts students only and can be accessed 24/7 and anywhere in the United States. Call 855-364-7981.