RESPOND: Building a Safer, More Responsive Campus

We have reviewed our policies, brought together experts to guide our work, and realigned our operations—all with a focus on being more responsive to instances of relationship violence and sexual misconduct.

• RVSM Workgroup Advises on Best Practices

  The Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup is composed of campus leaders with deep expertise in the areas of sexual assault and relationship violence (RVSM). With input from the community, the workgroup advises the president on best practices and makes recommendations about trauma-informed policies and programs to ensure that MSU is responsive to survivors.

  In July 2019, the workgroup released a report summarizing the issues facing campus in its response to RVSM and outlining current initiatives and pending recommendations. 

• Reorganized Civil Rights Offices Put Focus on RVSM Response

  Reporting directly to the president, the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance is dedicated to the prevention of discrimination and harassment in all forms, with a particular focus on sex and gender discrimination, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual misconduct. The new office represents a 77 percent increase in the number of employees dedicated to Title IX education and enforcement and includes two units: the Office of Institutional Equity, the investigation and enforcement arm, and the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department. The office also is home to the university's ADA coordinator.
   
  The two units work collaboratively, allowing complaint and enforcement data to inform prevention and education efforts, and transfer feedback from education training to those responsible for drafting and enforcing policies. The mutually informed efforts allow the university to create targeted prevention education while continuing to improve campus regulations.

• Additional Therapists and Victim Advocates Support Survivors
  • Grant funding from the Victims of Crime Act through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services enabled MSU to create four full-time positions in the Center for Survivors, including two therapists and two victim advocates. MSU also is funding an additional full-time crisis counselor and a new clinical supervisor.
  • MSU added a “canine advocate” named Justice to lend emotional support to sexual assault survivors in police interviews and court proceedings.
  • A web-based service, Crisis Chat, became operational through the Sexual Assault Program website. Staff and volunteers now provide crisis intervention from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to help clients process emotions and thoughts during a crisis, identify their natural supports, and locate resources and options.
• Expanded Counseling and Psychiatric Services Better Support Students
  • MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) added additional staff and made those resources available at offices in the Olin Health Center, at a new location in the MSU Union, and in the East and South Neighborhoods through Residence Education and Housing Services.
  • Group therapy and workshops provided by CAPS have been expanded and now include training for academic advisers and campus groups on how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health issues.
• Sexual Assault Healthcare Program Offers 24/7 Response

  With the creation of a Sexual Assault Healthcare program and the development of a new campus Sexual Assault Result Response Team, MSU will offer 24-hour-a-day, first-response medical care to sexual assault survivors on campus, as well as advocacy, medical, legal, and educational services to ensure trauma-informed practices across service sectors.

• New RVSM Training and Improved Response for MSU Police

  The MSU Police Department created the Center for Trauma-Informed Investigative Excellence, focused on sharing best practices in trauma-informed, victim-centered investigations of RVSM reports.

  MSU Police are now the primary responding agency for the Eyde MSU Health Care clinics and offices to prevent gaps in incident reporting, to increase their physical presence, and to conduct safety and security trainings to clinic staff.

• Additional Ombuds Addresses Students’ Questions

  The Office of the University Ombudsperson expanded to two full-time ombuds to better address student questions and concerns regarding university policies and procedures, including the RVSM policy.