A woman alleging she was sexually assaulted at a campus fraternity party spoke with a University of Wisconsin advisor shortly after a police investigation began, according to a representative from a campus support organization.

Laura Dunn, an advisor with Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment, speaking independently of the organization, said she suggested the woman speak with a UW advisor about suspending her classes after the alleged Dec. 9 incident.

"The whole reason I advised her (is because) I was personally victimized my freshman year," Dunn said. "When I started going through the criminal process, one of my interviews came at finals week — no one ever told me I had the option of seeking an incomplete (grade)."

Dunn added with finals approaching in mid-December, it was important for the victim to know that the option was available.

The victim eventually dropped out of UW in the weeks after the alleged incident.

The revelation raises questions about whether the university should have investigated the incident earlier.

According to Elton Crim, interim associate dean of students, state law requires all UW employees with knowledge of sexual assault to report to either the Offices of the Dean of Students or the Department of Equity and Diversity.

However, Crim said the report is only required for UW records and does not include the victim's identity.

"It needs to be reported for statistical purposes only," Crim said. "They don't need to report the who or the what."

Crim added once the report comes in, an investigation is not started unless the victim personally contacts the office.

"If someone says they were the victim of a sexual assault, we try to have that person come to the office and meet, and ask how we would like to proceed," Crim said. "We have lots of cases where they don't want us to do anything."

Dunn said the victim just recently contacted the Offices of the Dean of Students in an attempt to be a part of the university's investigation into the Zeta Psi fraternity.

Crim said the woman did indeed contact them, but added she has not returned phone calls to set up an appointment. In addition, Crim also said the fraternity alcohol investigation has been turned over to a student and faculty judicial committee through the Interfraternity Council.

Despite not completing the fall semester, Dunn said the woman made an attempt to return for the spring semester but encountered complications with her advisor.

When asked if the particular faculty member who knew of the alleged assault should be reprimanded, Dunn said the university has to ensure everyone is aware of the rule.

Dunn added with 5 percent of rape cases going unreported, it is necessary for the university to have a rule in place that requires faculty to report incidents they have knowledge of.