Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) has announced plans for an institutional assessment and responsive action process, with input from the survivor community. This initiative is led by MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., alongside experts in assault prevention, crisis response, and institutional health.

"At Michigan State University, it is our responsibility to acknowledge our history and seek opportunities for healing through our commitment to continuous improvement," said Guskiewicz. The university aims to partner with professionals to conduct an assessment of its culture, structure, and policies.

A Collaborative Advisory Board has been established to oversee this process. Members include Andrea Munford; Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D.; Rachael Denhollander, JD; Sterling Riethman; and Trinea Gonczar. The board will collaborate with survivors and stakeholders to develop criteria for selecting an independent firm to perform the assessment.

The board will review proposals from firms and recommend one to the university president. They will set the scope of the assessment while seeking input from the survivor community.

Survivors have long called for accountability and comprehensive diagnostics from MSU. This effort is distinct from previous ones undertaken by the university. The goals are to ensure historical accountability, provide a benchmark for progress, identify gaps in efforts related to prevention and support, and recommend actions informed by best practices.

Rachael Denhollander expressed encouragement about MSU's steps: "Eight years is a long time to wait for these processes... but my hope is that the steps taken today serve as a reminder that it is never too late to do what is right."

Sterling Riethman noted: "Embracing this initiative with a sense of curiosity... takes great courage." Trinea Gonczar emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in transformation: "Transformation is not just a goal; it is a collective responsibility."

The Collaborative Advisory Board will engage with survivors over several weeks to develop guidelines for the assessment process. Participation by survivors, students, faculty, staff, advocacy groups, alumni, lawmakers, and the public will be key.

Andrea Munford stated: "This is an opportunity for the institution to truly assess the impact of past responses...and guide our actions for the future." Rebecca Campbell added: "I welcome this opportunity...to create a path forward for MSU."

Updates on firm selection and additional information are available on MSU's Institutional Assessment web page.