FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- STAR (Support, Training, Advocacy, and Resources) Central supports victims of sexual violence for the University of Arkansas community. STAR Central is located in Pat Walker Health Center and is looking for faculty and staff members to help advocate for students during a very difficult time. 

Advocates must be able to serve on-call after hours -- 5-8 p.m.-- during the week and on weekends as part of a rotation of volunteers. The more volunteers, the more time between rotations.

For those individuals who choose to call a report in to STAR Central having a trained volunteer advocate present can make all the difference. There is a need for dedicated people to be available whena call comes.

The STAR Central office provides appropriate training so that volunteer advocates have a good working knowledge of advocacy prior to ever being called out. Volunteer advocates do not have to know all the answers, just to have a willingness to be supportive and to provide resources.

How to become a STAR Central Staff or Faculty Volunteer Advocate:

Step 1: Basic Requirements: currently employed by the University, either classified or non-classified staff position or faculty position. e: Students are not eligible.

Step 2: Complete the survey application at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZLD3L5Q by Tuesday, August 4, 2015.

Step 3: Attend and complete the training session from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 11. Training will be held at the Pat Walker Health Center. Traditionally attendance for this training has been allowed during regular work hours, with permission from a supervisor.

STAR Central hopes to build a supportive team of volunteer advocates to continue to provide services for students during one of their greatest times of need. 

Questions may be directed to Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert at mwyandt@uark.edu.