Creating a University Strategic Plan to Address Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM): An Application of Principles-Focused Evaluation at Michigan State University

Abstract

This paper describes a multi-year initiative at Michigan State University (MSU) to change our institutional response to relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM) in the aftermath of a large-scale institutional crisis. While the circumstances at MSU are unique, many universities have faced or will face moments that bring RVSM issues into the spotlight. To inform other colleges and universities, we describe how we developed a 5-year strategic plan to transform services for survivors and develop prevention programming for multiple audiences and at multiple levels of analysis. We titled this framework Know More. Do More. Support More, whereby “know more” reflects our ongoing use of campus climate surveys and data sharing to educate our community about RVSM; “do more” includes our institutional-level strategic plan for culture change; and “support more” provides guidance to our community members on how to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed way and connect survivors to support services. We discuss the challenges and opportunities that stemmed from our choice to work “within the system” to create this model, as well as the ethical dilemmas we faced in these partnerships.

Engaging Campuses in Meaningful Change Efforts to Address Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct: Lessons Learned From the Michigan State University Experience

“…As of yet, as Campbell et al (2023) note, it is unclear whether the proliferation of changes at IHE over recent years has resulted in meaningful improvement. Reviews of IHE responses to RVSM indicate inconsistently implemented mandated policies, with some institutions failing to adhere to even the most basic requirements (Richards, 2016).…”

“…In the wake of this institutional crisis, MSU developed a five-year strategic plan to improve its reaction to and prevention of relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM). In their article, "Creating a university strategic plan to address relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM): An application of principles-focused evaluation at Michigan State University," Campbell et al (2023) describe the process of creating and implementing this plan. The authors note that while MSU was responding to extraordinary circumstances, lessons from its challenges can benefit other institutions of higher education (IHE).…”

“…There is often a disconnect between the policies that IHE announce and their actual implementation, or what Moylan and Hammock (2021) refer to as decoupling, which is especially "…problematic if and when an organization only adopts legitimized behaviors at the surface level, projecting an image that appeals to stakeholders, while behaving in ways that harm or do a disservice to those same stakeholders" (p. 144). For example, Campbell et al (2023) noted that although task forces at MSU had issued recommendations to better address RVSM in 2005 and 2015, many had not been fully implemented. This is likely common at many other IHE, as reports indicate a lack of implementation and compliance with legislative mandates and best practices (e.g., McCaskill, 2014).…”

“…The opposite is institutional courage, which is demonstrated commitment, accountability, transparency, and action to address RVSM (Center for Institutional Change, n.d.) . A key question raised by Campbell et al (2023) is how to align institutional commitment with actions, as well as engage in "meaningful" change. Three aspects of the MSU model that reflect a commitment to deeper, meaningful change include working toward culture change; engaging the larger campus community; and conducting an ongoing evaluation.…”

Adopting a “Both/And” Mindset to Address Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) in Institutions of Higher Education

“…Institutions of higher education (IHEs) have a long history of failing to help survivors of relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM) and to prevent violence, harassment, and hate crimes. At Michigan State University (MSU), we are committed to improving our institution's response to RVSM, and our long-term strategic plan, Know More, Do More, Support More , outlines our values, principles, strategic aims, and initiatives to increase support and to decrease the incidence of RVSM (Campbell et al, 2023). We thank Jacobson López (2023), Hirsch and Khan (2023), McMahon (2023), and Boots et al (2023) for their kind words about our successes, and for offering constructive criticism that encourages us to continue to advocate, challenge, and create the institutional change necessary to respond and to prevent RVSM.…”