Our Actions: Protecting Students and the Campus Community

• Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department Promotes Campus Safety
  The new Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department works to promote safety and improve campus life by educating MSU faculty, staff, and students on topics such as understanding the RVSM policy, navigating personal disclosures, and supporting survivors.
   
  The team also developed specific trainings for residence hall staff, international students, LGBTQ students, fraternity and sorority life, student-athletes, and graduate students, as well as materials for new student orientation that place an emphasis on self-empowerment and awareness of support services.
• New Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy

  MSU’s new RVSM and Title IX policy:

  • Defines prohibited conduct in alignment with community expectations as to what constitutes relationship violence, sexual misconduct, and stalking as well as prohibited conduct under Title IX.
  • Makes clear that Title IX regulations apply to complaints brought by or against employees and are not limited to complaints involving students.
  • Explains the process for responding to and addressing reports of prohibited conduct, including retaliation.
  • Provides claimants with more autonomy as to whether to request an investigation through the formal grievance process.
  • Explains the availability of equitable supportive measures, interim measures, University-provided advisors, and confidential resources.
  • Provides for an equitable, fair investigation process and hearing process with realistic time frames and regular communication from investigators and decision makers.
  • Streamlines investigations, including permitting parties to review all evidence directly related to the allegations prior to completion of a final investigation report.
  • Sets expectations for university faculty, staff, and academic staff on reporting conduct.
• Stronger Policies and Expanded Training Protect Youth on Campus
  • The university’s youth program policy has been updated to mandate that all individuals who have unsupervised access to minors are required to undergo criminal background checks within the past 12 months. This extends to any external organization using MSU facilities. In addition, new requirements are in place regarding annual trainings, reporting protocols, and transportation of minors.
  • Training was expanded for youth program coordinators and directors, including presentations from subject experts in policy compliance, identifying maltreatment, reporting requirements, gender equity, police response, and mental health. MSU employees also are trained on how to recognize and report child abuse.
  • A Youth Programs Advisory Board was established with members from multiple campus units to consult on youth program policies and procedures. In addition, a new director of youth programs position manages and oversees all youth programs, including any class, camp, program, or other learning activity held on and off campus that includes participation by minors.
• Campus Programs Raise Awareness about RVSM Resources
  MSU’s "Know More" awareness campaign works to promote the resources available to those in the campus community who are affected by sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking. In addition, the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department develops individualized plans to help MSU departments address campus culture.
• Creation of Office of Health Science Ensures Proper Oversight
  To increase safety and quality of care, MSU created the Office of Health Science aligning the university’s health colleges, clinical practices, and student wellness programs. In addition, a new organization called MSU Health Care was created to nurture a culture of safety, foster a more comprehensive and cost-efficient clinical practice, and increase research opportunities.
• New Policies for Medical Procedures Enhance Patient Safety
  • After extensive revision, MSU’s policies on sensitive examination and patient chaperones are now considered national exemplars. In addition, a “consent to treat” form was adopted for patient registrations. It gives the provider permission to provide treatment and also informs the patient of her or his right to a chaperone, making it clear minors can have a chaperone present.
  • A triage protocol to review all reported allegations or concerns of inappropriate practitioner-patient and practitioner-student interactions was implemented. A multidisciplinary team reviews allegations within 24 hours of receiving a report to determine if there is a risk to patients, students, or staff. If there is any concern, the practitioner is immediately removed from the care setting pending further investigation.

Safety for our students and the campus community is our highest priority. To maintain a fair, humane, and responsible learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, we have taken measures to strengthen accountability and to provide additional training and resources.

Solutions include:

• Expanding prevention, outreach, and education efforts
• Developing training and resources to protect youth on campus
• Revising protocols and policies to focus on patient safety and privacy
• Reorganizing our health care organizations to provide stronger oversight

Learn more