In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office is reminding faculty and staff about prevention education, response training and reporting obligations, as well as support and resources for those impacted by sexual or gender-based misconduct.

ECRT is the central office responsible for addressing allegations of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct by members of the university community.

“Creating an environment where all individuals can live, work and learn free of misconduct is rooted in strong community awareness and commitment to prevention and response. Each member of our community can help foster a campus climate that combats misconduct and connects impacted individuals to resources, support and resolution options,” said Elizabeth Seney, director of gender equity and Title IX coordinator for the Ann Arbor campus and Michigan Medicine.

Training and prevention education

ECRT’s Prevention, Education, Assistance and Resources office provides sexual and gender-based misconduct prevention education for employees, including student staff, across all U-M’s campuses, including Michigan Medicine.

Topics include an overview of the Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct policy, bystander intervention, power dynamics, trauma-informed responses to disclosures, and strategies for creating healthy, respectful and resilient working and learning environments. 

Faculty, staff and department leadership can consult with PEAR to address their specific needs and request training using the training request form on ECRT’s website.

Reporting

Under university policy, employees who become aware of allegations of sexual misconduct through their employment responsibilities are required to report it to ECRT within 48 hours. 

Faculty, staff, and students who experience sexual misconduct are encouraged to report it to ECRT. 

ECRT reviews all information shared for appropriate next steps, which may include outreach to impacted parties to discuss supportive measures and resolution options or referral to another campus resource, such as Human Resources or the Division of Public Safety and Security.

Supportive measures

ECRT helps facilitate supportive measures — such as work, academic or housing adjustments, academic extensions and other campus referrals — for faculty, staff and students regardless of whether they choose to make a formal complaint. 

ECRT works with individuals to identify options that meet their specific needs and coordinates with campus partners to implement them when possible.

Confidential support 

ECRT is not a confidential resource. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center is a confidential resource offering supportive and educational services for faculty, staff and students who experience sexual misconduct. 

SAPAC offers a wide range of resources — ranging from emotional support and processing and academic and medical advocacy to housing support and safety planning — that are tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Some examples include connecting survivors to health care, protective and reporting resources; assisting in securing new housing; and connecting students with instructors to request excused absences or assignment extensions.