In the workplace

Survey respondents are asked if they have experienced or observed workplace incivility in their jobs at MSU. One attendee asked if unpaid placements like internships are included in the survey’s definition of workplace.

Although she was unsure of the specific data regarding internships, Campbell said the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department, or POE, has introduced a new position to help students understand their roles, responsibilities and rights as an intern. The position was added because internships are a known site of workplace incivility for students, she said.

“We are aware that internships can be a really scary sight for students and you may be physically separated from campus or at least remotely separated, engaging in different work environments,” Campbell said. “That is a growth area for us and MSU.”

Rates of violence

Another attendee expressed concern about higher rates of sexual violence against undergraduate students. Campbell said the survey report shows higher rates for undergraduate students compared to graduate and professional students at MSU, but are “middle of the pack” compared to other Big Ten universities.

Data shows that the first three to four weeks of the semester report higher rates of sexual violence, she said. In order to combat this, many prevention efforts are focused before that time period.

POE associate director Matea Caluk said the department is working with the New Student Orientation team to introduce educational programs for incoming first-year and transfer students to participate in before completing sexual assault and relationship violence workshops.

“Making sure that students, before they even come to campus, receive some of this information,” Caluk said. “Getting some of that critical information out to students, we really wanted to prioritize that.” 

Community frustration with Title IX reporting

An attendee also commented on community frustration with the university’s process of reporting Title IX violations, which Campbell said has improved according to the survey. The survey data states that, overall, students are having a better experience with reporting sexual misconduct incidents that occur with faculty or staff.

Campbell also said the university has been working with an outside process improvement firm to evaluate the Title IX investigation process, which she said has been slow in comparison to other investigations. The university is also in the process of hiring a new vice president for the Office of Civil Rights.

“We're in the process of changing,” Campbell said. “Culture change is not fast, it is slow. It happens in different fits and starts. It happens in really boring data presentations. And it happens in really big but high-profile cases. And it happens when leaders resign and it happens when new leaders step up. All of that is what makes cultural change happen.”