MSU moves forward with Institutional Assessment & Responsive Action

Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., today announced Guidepost Solutions as the independent external firm to conduct the Institutional Assessment and Responsive Action, a comprehensive evaluation of MSU’s culture, structure and policies pertaining to relationship violence and sexual misconduct, or RVSM.

“After months of review, interviews and consideration of multiple proposals, Guidepost Solutions has been selected as the firm most qualified and able to perform the scope of work for the Institutional Assessment and Responsive Action,” said Guskiewicz. “I am grateful for the dedication of the Collaborative Advisory Board as they guide and support Michigan State University through this important work, and I look forward to learning how our institution can continue to grow and improve resources and support of our community.”

MSU’s Collaborative Advisory Board — composed of Deputy Chief Andrea Munford (ret.); Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D.; Rachael Denhollander, J.D.; Sterling Riethman; and Trinea Gonczar — spent months seeking input from the greater survivor community and stakeholders to help inform firm selection and structure the goals of the assessment. As experts in assault prevention, crisis response and institutional health, the board is focused on ensuring that participation by survivors, students, faculty, staff and alumni is the cornerstone of this effort.

Guidepost Solutions will begin its process with direct outreach to leaders across MSU’s campus in the coming weeks and has made available an email address, MSU@guidepostsolutions.com, for survivors, students, faculty, staff and alumni interested in making contact with the firm.

Targeted outreach this spring will be followed by town halls and listening sessions hosted over the summer and throughout the fall 2026 semester. The university’s Collaborative Advisory Board will work with Guidepost Solutions to develop additional engagement opportunities, including for communities that may face barriers to participation for various reasons.

Survivors and advocates have long called for a role in securing meaningful historical accountability and comprehensive diagnostics from Michigan State University. This assessment is separate and distinct from previous efforts undertaken by the university and complements the work of MSU’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup and the insights gained from conducting its Know More Survey. Overall, the goals of the assessment and responsive action process are to:

• Ensure historical accountability by acknowledging past institutional failures and assessing corrective actions.

• Provide a benchmark for progress, allowing the university to independently verify improvements.

• Identify gaps in prevention, support, reporting, and response efforts and put forth recommended actions that are informed by survivor-centered best practices.

As part of its work to conduct the assessment, Guidepost Solutions has aligned its efforts with the goals of the university and will focus on determining historical accountability, establishing a benchmark for current progress and making a forward-looking set of recommendations. Guidepost Solutions will conclude with a comprehensive public report presenting findings, recommendations and guidance on monitoringthe implementation of those recommendations.

A comprehensive review of core objectives is available on the Guidepost Solutions website, where a designated hotline for engagement will be shared in the coming weeks.

A copy of the university’s master service agreement with Guidepost Solutions, a link to the firm’s website, biographies of the Collaborative Advisory Board members, a Frequently Asked Questions section and more are available at MSU’s Institutional Assessment and Responsive Action website.

To access MSU support resources, please visit supportmore.msu.edu.