Employee Resources
This page is intended to help GVSU employees as they assist students who have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, bullying, endangerment, and hazing), and/or retaliation. Employees who have been impacted please visit our Options and Resources page.
Reporting
GVSU encourages all members of the community to report when notified of discrimination, harassment, misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, bullying, endangerment, and hazing), and retaliation.
We understand that these issues may be of a sensitive nature and can offer support to help those impacted. A report to our office provides the impacted party with certain rights, options, and protections, and gives us the opportunity to connect with the impacted party and discuss supportive measures and resources, it does not initiate any other action.
GVSU designates many employees as Mandatory Reporters who must immediately report the information to the Title IX Coordinator. More information can be found under the Mandatory Reporters section of this page.
Incidents of discrimination, harassment, misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, bullying, endangerment, and hazing), and/or retaliation can be reported through our online reporting form.
When you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen.
If you have questions or need consultation, we are here. Reach out.
Mandatory Reporters
All university employees, including graduate assistants, resident assistants, and student employees, are mandatory reporters. More information about what must be reported, how to report, and the limited exemptions from this requirement is available at our Mandatory Reporters page.
Once a Report is Received
Once a report is received, a member of our team will promptly reach out to the impacted party and:
- discuss supportive measures available to ensure their safety and continued access to programs and activities GVSU offers
- available regardless of whether they choose to file a formal complaint
- inform them of helpful resources on campus and in the community and their protection from retaliation; and
- discuss their option to file a formal complaint.
Request a Training
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX is available to provide a training program for your department, group, or team.
Possible training topics include:
- Mandatory Reporter - Obligations and Benefits of Reporting
- Non-Mandatory Reporter Employee - Benefits of Reporting
- Services, Options, and Support available through our Office
- Policy Overview: Interim Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct For All Faculty, Students, Employees, and Third Parties
- Process Overview: GVSU's Resolution Process
We look forward to working with you!
Syllabus Statement
We invite and encourage faculty to use this syllabus statement to educate students on their rights and resources:
GVSU is committed to providing fairness and equity in all aspects of your educational experience. Discrimination, Harassment, and Misconduct not only disrupt this commitment but may violate GVSU policy as well as Title IX and/or other federal or state laws.
Should you experience discrimination, harassment, misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, bullying, endangerment, and hazing), and/or retaliation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at (616) 331-9530, and/or report the information through the University's online reporting form.
Reporting does not compel you to engage in any further action. It does, however, allow the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX to discuss your experience with you and to assess and approve any measures needed to assure you have a safe, fair, and equitable educational experience. If any of those approved supportive measures impact your participation in this course, please provide me with a copy of the memo issued by the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
Supportive Measures
Supportive Measures are designed to preserve or restore equal access to GVSU programs and activities as part of GVSU's commitment to providing an educational environment, a workplace, programs, and activities that are free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct. These measures are also a critical part of GVSU's compliance under federal Title IX regulations.
This list contains some common questions and answers for employees regarding Supportive Measures. If you have a question or would like to discuss a situation, we are available to assist. Please contact us by phone at (616) 331-9530 or by email at [email protected].
How should I handle a student's informal request for course modifications?
Please refer the student to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX first. Under federal law, the Title IX Coordinator is charged with effectively coordinating the implementation of supportive measures. Our office will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine reasonable and appropriate supportive measures.
Do I have the right to know the details of the situation or ask a student to disclose to me?
No. Confidentiality in these matters is dictated by law. Details of a reported incident are not made available unless necessary for carrying out a particular supportive measure. It is important not to ask the student for more information about the nature of the situation. We understand that this may be difficult; however, it can have an adverse impact on the student and put the university at risk.
Although you may be open to listening if a student chooses to share details with you (without your actual or implied solicitation of information) it is very important that you communicate respect for the student’s privacy regarding the situation.
Do you have any suggestions for what to include in my course syllabus regarding sexual misconduct and harassment reporting and supportive measures?
Absolutely! We invite and encourage faculty to use this syllabus statement to educate students on their rights and resources:
GVSU is committed to providing fairness and equity in all aspects of your educational experience. Harassment and discrimination not only disrupt this commitment but may violate GVSU policy as well as Title IX and/or other federal or state laws.
Should you experience sexual harassment, sex/gender discrimination, dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation and/or retaliation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at (616) 331-9530, and/or report the information through the University's online reporting form.
Reporting does not compel you to engage in any further action. It does, however, allow Office of Civil Rights and Title IX to discuss your experience with you and to assess and approve any measures needed to assure you have a safe, fair, and equitable educational experience. If any of those approved supportive measures impact your participation in this course, please provide me with a copy of the memo issued by Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
Do I have to comply with supportive measures?
Yes. Supportive measures are determined through collaboration with you, issued in compliance with federal law, and align with GVSU’s commitment to providing an educational environment, a workplace, programs, and activities that are free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
What types of supportive measures are available?
Supportive measures are individualized services offered as appropriate and reasonably available designed to preserve or restore equal access to GVSU programs and activities. Some of the most common supportive measures include, but are not limited to:
- Altering work arrangements for employees or student employees
- Altering on-campus housing assignment
- Academic modifications, extensions of deadlines, or other course/program-related adjustments
- Class schedule modifications
- Any other measured deemed appropriate by Office of Civil Rights and Title IX