An unknown man sexually assaulted a Loyola student while she was walking towards Broadway Avenue, according to the Loyola University Police Department.

The student told a campus security authority that a man sexually assaulted her on Oak or Maple Street Saturday, Jan. 24 between 5:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

According to the victim, the man offered her a ride while she was walking and then pulled her into his van to sexually assault her after she refused a ride from him.

LUPD said that it is not known if the victim is deciding to press charges.

Robert Reed, assistant vice president for student affairs, said the university performs a strict list of actions as per federal requirements regardless of whether the victim decides to report the incident to the New Orleans Police Department or not.

He said the university responds promptly and effectively to sexual violence, provides interim measures as necessary, makes confidential support services known, conducts an investigation and provides remedies as necessary.

LUPD Captain Roger Pinac said even though the incident was not initially reported to campus police, it was still important to keep the university informed as to what occurred.

“We felt that it was necessary and we felt it would be helpful to the community to put the bulletin out,” Pinac said.

Lieutenant Angela Honora, crime prevention and logistics coordinator, said there are two panels occurring on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the Danna Center’s Audubon Room that will help address sexual assaults on campus and respond to students’ safety concerns.

She said Students Against Sexual Assault will be hosting the panel.

“They started this committee to see what they can and cannot do to advise students on taking necessary safety precautions,” Honora said.

Pinac said some of the safety tips students can keep in mind while off campus include traveling in groups, using a personal vehicle or a shuttle service, downloading the police’s RAVE Guardian app and taking LUPD’s Rape Aggression Defense classes.

Pinac also said students should take advantage of the safety information on LUPD’s web page.

“I know, for the most part, students are overwhelmed with all of the information that is coming at them, but it’s a lot of really, I think, important topics that cover the whole gambit of crime, how to respond, how to avoid and their rights,” Pinac said.