The University of Michigan is seeking feedback from the campus community at several forums this month regarding proposed revisions to the student sexual misconduct policy.
Proposed changes to the policy include more clarity surrounding definitions, including consent and incapacitation, and changes to the investigation process.
Faculty & staff roundtables
- Oct. 14, 1-2:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Room, Michigan League
- Oct. 22, 3-4:30 p.m., Regents Room, Fleming Administration Building
- Oct. 28, 9:30-11 a.m., Boulevard Room, Pierpont Commons
- Provide feedback to the policy online through Nov. 6.
- Read the proposed revised policy.
“We have been carefully studying the effectiveness of our current policy,” says E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life.
“This study, along with analysis from independent experts in sexual misconduct policies, review of new federal guidance and law and feedback from our university community, guided the draft policy revisions.”
The Office of Student Life is hosting three roundtables to gather feedback from faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus. An additional seven roundtables are scheduled across campus for the student community.
In addition to the forums, feedback is being collected from those working closest to student sexual misconduct matters.
Under the revised policy, complainants and respondents would have the option to appeal investigation findings separately from the sanctioning process and before it begins. Currently, appeals are available following the completion of both the investigation and sanctioning processes.
The draft policy also calls for the use of a neutral party outside of the university for considering an appeal of the investigation findings. Under the current policy, appeals of findings and sanctions are handled by the same appeals board. That board will continue to hear appeals of sanctions.
Other proposed changes to the policy include:
• Identifying all witnesses in the investigative reports.
• Eliminating the Resolution Officer from the sanctioning process.
• An appeals board for sanctions to consist of at least two faculty members, including one from the Law School, and one student appointed by Central Student Government.
• Making explicit the limited circumstances under which the prior sexual history of either party will be considered.
