Jenna Chase grew up in Indianapolis and recently returned home after several years in Bloomington, where she studied and worked at Indiana University. An IU graduate and social worker, Chase spent nearly four years supporting survivors of interpersonal violence on the Bloomington campus after discovering her passion for advocacy while pursuing her Master of Social Work degree.
In late 2025, she joined the CAPS team, continuing the work she cares deeply about while serving students closer to home.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A typical day includes meeting with students, staff or faculty who have experienced some form of interpersonal violence. Meeting with an advocate allows survivors to explore their options, learn about resources and talk about their experiences in a supportive, confidential environment.
When I am not meeting with individuals, I work alongside CAPS’ other confidential survivor advocate, Madison Jones, to develop programming and outreach initiatives. These include workshops, events, campaigns and presentations focused on consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention to help create a safe and welcoming campus community.
What part of your work supporting students is most meaningful or rewarding for you?
For me, the most rewarding part of my work is witnessing students achieve their goals. College can be a formative time for many students, and overcoming personal challenges during that period often requires tremendous resilience.
Students I work with are constantly navigating barriers while pursuing their goals — whether that means passing an exam, stepping outside their comfort zone, completing a class, returning to campus after time away or earning their degree. Each milestone, big or small, represents meaningful progress.
What is one resource you wish more students knew about?
I hope more students realize how accessible confidential survivor advocacy services are. Students can meet with a confidential survivor advocate regardless of where the incident occurred, whether the person responsible is affiliated with IU or how much time has passed since the experience.
As long as someone is impacted by what occurred, they are eligible to meet with an advocate. Services are free and easy to access by emailingsaadv@iu.edu or calling 317-274-2548.
Outside of work, how do you like to recharge?
I enjoy thrifting. It has a meditative quality, especially when browsing every trinket at Goodwill. I also enjoy DIY projects, reading, watching movies and reality TV and treating myself to an iced latte nearly every day.