Support & Resources
Support
The Office of Support and Equity is a newly organized office that provides and coordinates support to individuals involved in any of Office for Civil Rights (OCR) processes. The Office of Support and Equity coordinates non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized support as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge before or after the filing of a formal report or where no formal report or complaint have been filed with the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). The Office of Support and Equity, which includes the Supportive Measures and Equity Coordinator, frequently partners with MSUPD, faculty and academic staff affairs, the office for employee relations, residence education and housing services, academic units, the registrar and other campus entities to preserve equal access to academic or employment opportunities and to promote equity. The Office of Support and Equity offers coordinated support for claimants, respondents, and witnesses. The Office of Support and Equity is also responsible for assessing key metrics related to OCR processes in order to improve effectiveness and ensure equity.
Resources
As part of MSU's commitment to a supportive atmosphere for students, faculty, staff and guests of all backgrounds, the university provides resources tailored to a variety of groups on campus, including those involved in processes under both the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy. Resources for claimants, respondents and witnesses are also available below.
If you would like to file a report, you may do so via the Public Incident Reporting Form or by calling the Office of Institutional Equity at (517) 353-3922 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Culture of Support
The Culture of Support website provides guidance on how to respond to disclosures of RVSM experiences and promotes the availbility of campus resources and services.
Office of Institutional Equity Resource Guide (pdf)
Provides a complete guide of resources for students, employees and unaffiliated individuals seeking support on matters related to the Anti-Discrimination Policy or the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.
Counseling and Psychiatry Services
(517) 355-8270
3rd Floor, Olin Health Services Building
Provides a full range of counseling and support group services to MSU students.
Employee Assistance Program
(517) 355-4506
110 Linton Hall
Provides emotional assistance to employees and their families as they attempt to work through life changes, expected and unexpected events, chronic physical and emotional health issues, and work/life balance concerns. Services are free and confidential.
Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
(517) 353-9520
302 Student Services Building
The Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Resource Center leads and collaborates on university-wide initiatives that prepare students to thrive in our diverse world, and enhances the campus climate and support services for students marginalized by their sexuality or gender identity.
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Information for Individuals Identifying as LGBTQ+
I am being discriminated against or harassed based on my gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Can I file a complaint with OIE?
Yes. The Anti-Discrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on one's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This includes acts of intimidation or hostility, whether verbal or non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
"Gender identity" includes protection against gender stereotyping based on a person's gender expression. In other words, gender stereotyping is impermissible discrimination or harassment based on a failure to conform to stereotypical gender norms.
What is gender identity?
A person’s internal knowledge of their own gender.
What is gender expression?
A person’s external presentation of themselves, whether through appearance or behavior, as masculine, feminine, or androgynous, for example.
How does MSU define discrimination or harassment?
Discrimination is defined as inappropriate limitation of employment opportunity, access to University residential facilities, or participation in education, athletic, social, cultural, or other University activities on the basis of a protected category under the Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct based on a protected category under the Anti-Discrimination Policy that is objectively and subjectively severe, persistent, or pervasive; and creates an unreasonable interference with the individual’s work or educational experience.
What are some examples of discrimination and/or harassment based on gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation that are prohibited by MSU's policies?
- Being made to use a bathroom that does not correspond with your gender identity
- Being denied health care based on your gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation
- Being told to dress in a way that conforms with another person's conception of how you should present your gender
- Being called names or slurs based on the way you express or identify your gender or your sexual orientation
- Being denied a work or educational opportunity because of the way you express or identify your gender or your sexual orientation
- Being prevented from participating in any University activity (such as a club, group, study abroad program, sport, etc.) due to your gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation
What if I want resources and information, but do not want OIE to investigate?
OIE can direct you to places on-campus where you can seek information and help. OIE can also help you get interim measures in place if you are being sexually harassed, and take other actions to remedy discrimination or harassment. Depending on the facts of the specific situation, this might include:
- Providing academic, housing, or employment accommodations
- Providing additional training or education
- Making campus or facility safety improvements
- Reviewing policies or procedures
- Reviewing reporting protocols with individual employees
At times, in order to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for members of the campus community, OIE may not be able to honor a request for confidentiality. In such circumstances, OIE will inform the victim prior to starting an investigation and will share information only with people involved in the University’s investigation. The victim is not required to participate in the investigation.Additionally, you can contact the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center for additional information and support. (Please note: LBGT Resource Center staff are not confidential employees and are required to report incidents of sexual harassment, relationship violence, and sexual misconduct to OIE and the MSU Police).
Where can I talk to someone confidentially?
If you would like to speak with someone confidentially about your reporting options or experience, please contact one of the following resources on campus:
MSU Center for Survivors
(517) 355-3551
MSU Center for Survivors Website
207 Student Services BuildingProvides counseling and support groups to MSU students. 24-hour hotline and advocacy services are offered to anyone in the greater Lansing community.
MSU Safe Place
(517) 355-1100
MSU Safe Place WebsiteProvides advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, safety planning, information and referrals to survivors of violence and their minor children. All support services are free and confidential.
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services
(517) 355-8270
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services
3rd Floor, Olin Health Services BuildingProvides a full range of counseling and support group services to MSU students.
Student Health Services
(517) 353-4660
Student Health Services Website
Click here for locationsOlin Health Center is the primary health care facility for MSU students. Olin Health Center is home to primary care, psychiatry, allergy/immunizations, sports medicine, and health education services. Laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and physical therapy are also located at Olin. Students also have the option of receiving primary care services in the Neighborhood clinics located in Brody, Holden, Hubbard and McDonel halls.
MSU Employee Assistance Program
(517) 355-4506
MSU Employee Assistance Program Website
110 Linton HallThe Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
University Ombudsperson
(517) 353-8830
MSU Ombud Website
129 North Kedzie HallThe Office was established to assist students in resolving conflicts or disputes within the University. We also help staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns. In addition to helping members of the MSU community resolve disputes, we also identify MSU policies that might need revision, and refer them to the appropriate academic governance committee.
I am concerned about being retaliated against if I report the discrimination or harassment.
Federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, make it unlawful for the University to retaliate against an individual who brings concerns about possible civil rights violations to its attention. It is also unlawful for the University to retaliate against an individual for participating in the complaint or investigation process. If the University is made aware of retaliation against a claimant, witness, or respondent by other students, employees, or third parties, the University will immediately investigate to determine what has occurred and will take strong responsive action if any retaliation has occurred.
Where can I find all-gender bathrooms on campus?
The LBGT Resource Center maintains a campus restroom map.
Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI)
(517) 353-4563
444 Administration Building
The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI) leads and supports efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU's core values.
Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
(517) 353-1720
105 International Center
The mission of the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is to provide support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families.
Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT)
(517) 353-7745
339 Student Services Building
The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) constructs supportive cultural, social and educational communities that actively involve students in learning. OCAT supports individual students in their navigation of cross-cultural encounters, and in their own understanding, exploration and development of cultural identity.
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Leads Michigan State University in maximizing ability and opportunity for full participation by persons with disabilities. Assesses and documents disability, academic, and workplace needs. Builds and facilitates individual plans for reasonable accommodations/ Links individuals with technology, education, and resources. Extends independence through auxiliary aids, disability-related information, and self-advocacy.
Student Parent Resource Center
(517) 884-0146
University Village Community Center, Room 107
Student Veterans Resource Center
(517) 884-5973
8 Student Services Building
The Student Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to promoting the educational, career, and personal advancement of service members and veterans at Michigan State University.
University Ombudsperson
(517) 353-8830
129 North Kedzie Hall
The Office was established to assist students in resolving conflicts or disputes within the University. We also help staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns. In addition to helping members of the MSU community resolve disputes, we also identify MSU policies that might need revision, and refer them to the appropriate academic governance committee.
WorkLife Office
(517) 353-1635
116-118 Linton Hall
The WorkLife Office partners with the community to create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported toward well-being in work and personal lives.
Additonal Resources
In an effort to support all students and employees engaged in the university review and investigation process, resources are available to those responding to complaints under the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If you have experienced an incident of relationship violence or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to get help regardless of when the incident occurred.
Confidential campus and community crisis support:
- MSU Center for Survivors 24-hour Hotline: (517) 372-6666
- The MSU Center for Survivors is a free and confidential resource providing immediate crisis intervention and advocacy services to women and men who have been victims of rape or sexual assault.
- The Center for Survivors also offers confidential referrals to community resources providing advocacy and support to individuals not affiliated with MSU.
- MSU Safe Place Relationship Violence and Stalking Program
- MSU Safe Place offers free and confidential resources for relationship violence and stalking, they are located on MSU's campus.
- MSU Safe Place also provides advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, safety planning, information and referrals to survivors of violence and their minor children.
- End Violent Encounters (EVE) 24-hour Hotline: (517) 372-5572
- EVE is a confidential community-based program providing supportive services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Most of the resources listed are available at no cost. Resources are available even if you choose not to file a criminal or university complaint or participate in an investigation.
Additional resources and information:
- Interim and protective measures
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Crime Victim Service and Compensation
- ASMSU Legal Resources
- Attorney Information Form
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Supporting Others
Many sexual assault survivors feel helpless and alone; your support can make a big difference to someone who has been sexually assaulted. Below are suggestions for supporting friends, family members, students, and colleagues.
Supporting a friend or family member
- Let survivors know you want to be supportive. It doesn't matter so much what you say, but how you listen. Find time to be alone with them. Listen and don't interrupt.
- Believe them.
- Let them know you care, using expressions of support that are comfortable for you. Here are some examples that have worked for others:
- I cried with my friend.
- I said, "It sounds like you were scared."
- I asked if I could hug him, and he said yes.
- Reassure them that they are not to blame.
- Let them control who knows about the sexual assault. Keep the conversation as private as possible.
- Take care of yourself, too. Hearing about someone else's traumatic experience is upsetting, and it's hard to know how to balance your needs and feelings with the survivors' needs and feelings.
Supporting a student, employee, community memberIf you are an employee and a student or colleague has disclosed that they were a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence, your response and support can make a big difference.
MSU recognizes the complexities associated with fulfilling your mandatory reporting obligations as an employee while offering support and maintaining the relationship you have built with the student or employee. For this reason the university has created the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Reporting Guide to provide employees with information about the mandatory reporting process, including what happens when a report is made, as well as tips for responding and supporting students and employees.
It is important for you and the individual you are supporting to know the mandatory reporting process is designed to connect individuals with resources, support, and information and to provide the individual with options for addressing the reported incident. Below are some quick tips for supporting a student or colleague.
- Listen and offer help and support.
- Be supportive, empathetic, and sensitive. Don't judge.
- Encourage the person to seek medical attention and talk with a confidential resource for support.
- Explain that you cannot promise confidentiality.
- Make sure the individual is aware of your duty to report the information to authorized individuals who are trained to respond.
- Encourage the person to preserve evidence, including any information related to the incident, in case they wish to pursue a criminal investigation either now or in the future.
- Inform the person of his or her right to file a criminal complaint and/or seek an order of protection or other similar lawful order.
- Tell the person about supportive services and resources available on campus, including confidential counseling and advocacy services.
- Tell the person MSU offers a variety of interim and protective measures to assist students and employees.
- Let students who report their concerns to you know that OIE and the MSU Police will not notify their parent or guardian unless they are a minor.
- Respect privacy and tell only those who need to know for reporting purposes.