MSU takes action to address campus culture

Michigan State University has launched a new effort based on one of the actions outlined in the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Strategic Plan. The goal is to transform MSU’s culture as it relates to instances of relationship violence, sexual assault or abuse, sexual harassment and stalking.

“We are striving to create a trauma-informed culture and help our community members know how to respond to these instances in an informed and caring way,” said President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “This initiative not only supports the actions outlined in the RVSM Strategic Plan, but also the larger university strategic plan for Empowering Excellence, Advancing Equity and Expanding Impact.”

The Support More initiative focuses on providing guidance for how to respond to disclosures of relationship violence, sexual assault or abuse, sexual harassment and stalking in a manner that is helpful to survivors as well as promoting the availability of related campus resources and services. It is anchored by a new website, supportmore.msu.edu.

“We started with ‘Know More,’ the campuswide survey to assess the culture, perceptions and policies related to sexual assault, harassment and workplace incivility. Next was ‘Do More,’ the development of our strategic plan. Now, ‘Support More’ will help build a trauma-informed culture," said Rebecca Campbell, professor of psychology, co-chair of the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup and presidential adviser. “Research has found that teaching people how to provide helpful, supportive reactions to disclosures helps alleviate victims’ distress and promotes healing.”

The initial launch of the effort includes:

• The supportmore.msu.edu website as a single place with all the information related to this effort, the Know More survey and RVSM Strategic Plan.
• Videos that give a behind-the-scenes look at supportive resources on campus and details on how to access each program.
• Posters outlining the available resources and sharing examples of statements showing support for survivors.
• Brochures with guidance for faculty, staff and students on how to respond if someone discloses their experience with relationship violence, sexual assault or abuse, sexual harassment and stalking.

“This launch is just the beginning of a long-term effort,” Campbell added. “Fostering a culture where everyone feels safe and supported will take time and all of us working together.”

Know More. Do More. Support More. is funded by a Victims of Crime Act grant award administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Victim Services.