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FACULTY/STAFF REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

Faculty, instructors, and staff at MSU are required reporters for any potential instances of sexual violence, sexual harassment, dating/relationship violence, stalking, and sexual assault, regardless of when or where the incident occurred. However, the Office of Institutional Equity does recognize an exception for disclosures that occur in the context of events that have been previously designated as “Speak Out Events.” For more information on Speak Out Events, please contact OIE at [email protected].”

If you ever have any questions about whether a situation requires you to file a report, please do not hesitate to consult with the Office of Institutional Equity at 406.994.2042 or by email at [email protected].  You are welcome to talk through the scenario without sharing a student’s name or identifying information, and the Office of Institutional Equity can provide guidance on whether or not the disclosure needs to be reported.

Even if a disclosure does not fall under your reporting requirement, we still encourage you to check in with any students making disclosures to see if they would like to be connected with campus support services and to ensure they are aware of the resources on campus.  The student making the disclosure may appreciate being connected with an advocate or counselor on campus, regardless of how recent the incident is.

 

HOW TO FILE A REPORT

MSU has an online reporting form for submitting concerns such as sexual assault disclosures.  The system immediately routes concerns to the appropriate office, so students can be connected with resources, learn about their rights, and receive support. 

To report a concern of any kind, please visit:  www.montana.edu/equity

 

SUPPORTING STUDENTS: CONVERSATION TIPS

The most important actions you can take to help your student is to believe them, offer resources and support, and report.  Your reaction may influence whether they choose to share information with others, including the police, advocates, or counseling and physical health services.

  • Remind them of your reporting requirement in a caring manner. A student has decided to disclose something very personal with you, which means they see you as a trustworthy, supportive resource.  However, there are other campus professionals who are best equipped to provide ongoing support, guidance, and resources to survivors of sexual violence and interpersonal violence.  Let them know that if they choose to speak with you, you have to share their disclosure with the Office of Institutional Equity so they can be made aware of their rights and resources available to them.  Additionally, you can let them know there are trained professionals on campus who can provide completely confidential information, support, and resources if they’d rather share with someone confidentially.  montana.edu/voice
  • Believe them and let them know that you are thankful they felt comfortable sharing this with you.
  • Assure and reassure them that what happened was not their fault. Self-blame, self-doubt, shame, and guilt are all common reactions for survivors of sexual violence.
  • Listen and don’t judge. Let them decide how much information they want to share with you.  Don’t pry for more details or try to investigate what happened.
  • Be informed. Visit www.montana.edu/voice to learn about the services available at MSU and in the greater community. 

 

 

--- CONFIDENTIAL CAMPUS-BASED --- --- CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY-BASED ---

MSU VOICE Center
406.994.7069 (24-Hour - call or text)
www.montana.edu/voice

FREE, Confidential information, advocacy &
support for members of the MSU community
who have been impacted by
interpersonal violence

Help Center
405.586.3333 (24-Hour)

MSU Counseling & Psychological Services
406.994.4531
www.montana.edu/counseling

FREE individual and group counseling
for MSU Students

HAVEN
406.586.4111 (24-Hour)

MSU Student Health Services
406.994.2311
www.montana.edu/health/medical

 
   

--- NON-CONFIDENTIAL CAMPUS-BASED ---

 

MSU Office of Institutional Equity
406.994.2042
[email protected]
www.montana.edu/equity

 

MSU Police Department
406.994.2121
www.montana.edu/police

 

MSU Diversity & Inclusion Student Commons (DISC)
406.994.5801
www.montana.edu/studentdiversity

 

MSU Dean of Students Office
406.994.2826
www.montana.edu/deanofstudents