Michigan State University tapped expert knowledge, best practices and community input to offer a set of resources to guide the campus community in planning trauma-informed meetings, and new guidelines for public statements and responses.
The Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup developed a trauma-informed meetings resource guide, which provides concrete suggestions for how to work with RVSM survivors to obtain their input on services, programs and policies.
In addition, the MSU Violence Free Communities committee created RVSM communications guidelines for public statements and responses on matters related to MSU’s relationship violence and sexual misconduct reports, lawsuits, investigations and related matters.
The two guides, developed with campus partners, are designed to help the campus community navigate conversations related to relationship violence and sexual misconduct.
The RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup, which was convened in February as one of Interim President John Engler’s first actions to ensure a safe and supportive campus, formalizes recommendations drawn from the input of survivors, students, faculty and staff from across campus. The recommendations help develop a comprehensive university response to relationship violence and sexual misconduct.
Members of the workgroup include trusted leaders within MSU who have:
- Demonstrated significant expertise relevant to relationship violence and sexual misconduct.
- In-depth knowledge about the programs, services and policies at MSU.
- A strong record of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to improve services for survivors of relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and to promote prevention education.
The VFC committee was formed more than 10 years ago to support a campus culture free of relationship violence and sexual misconduct. It is made up of representatives from more than a dozen campus units, including the Greek Life Office; LBGT Resource Center; MSU Police Department; MSU Safe Place; Office of General Counsel; Office of Institutional Equity; Olin Health and Wellness Services; Recreational Sports-Self Defense Program; Sexual Assault Program; Prevention, Outreach and Education Office; Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Office; and WorkLife Office.
