FAQs

• Are some things not kept confidential? Does the Student Resolution Advocate tell anyone what I've said?

  With few exceptions, the Student Resolution Advocate does not reveal what you communicate or even that you have made a contact unless you have provided explicit permission to do so.

  Exceptions include notification to authorities when there is a reasonable expectation of imminent harm, mandated reporting consistent with expectations of the Clery Act (crime on or near campus), and in compliance with MSU’s Title IX and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy reporting mandates. Please ask the Student Resolution Advocate if you are uncertain about any limits of confidentiality.

• Can I remain anonymous?

  Yes. A report on the Professional Concerns and Mistreatment Form is anonymous unless you enter your name. Even when not anonymous, your report remains confidential to the Student Resolution Advocate.

• Can I talk to the MSU Ombudsperson?

  Yes. You are encouraged to do so if you think it would be useful for your concern. That decision is completely up to you – feel free to discuss it with the Student Resolution Advocate. You are free to contact the MSU Ombudsperson as well at the College of Human Medicine Student Resolution Advocate at any time.

• Can I tell the Student Resolution Advocate what I need and have them take care of it?

  No. One goal of the Student Resolution Advocate is to help students have the information, skills, and confidence to act on their own behalf. The Student Resolution Advocate has sole discretion over whether to address a concern and how to address a concern. Any action taken by the Student Resolution Advocate on behalf of a student will be with the express permission from the student making a report.

• Could a de-identified report somehow reveal who I am? I might be the only person in my community with a particular problem.

  No. Information may be used in a report only if it is sufficiently de-identified and/or in an aggregated group of sufficient size to maintain anonymity. If a student gives explicit permission for the information to be shared in appropriate settings to improve the learning environment, the information will be de-identified and used prior to aggregation to ensure resolution or improvements may proceed.

• Do I need to talk to the Student Resolution Advocate before I file a grievance?

  No, contacting the Student Resolution Advocate is not a required step in the grievance process. However, attempting to solve a concern informally and prior to filing a grievance may be desirable and effective. The Student Resolution Advocate may be helpful in identifying and explaining your concerns as you seek informal resolution.

• Does telling the College of Human Medicine Student Resolution Advocate put the college or MSU on "Notice" about my problem?

  No. Any formal action is completely separate from contact with the Student Resolution Advocate. As an informal resource, the Student Resolution Advocate does not initiate or participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedures. The Student Resolution Advocate may be helpful in identifying who within the college or university you must notify directly.

• How can I get support on personal issues?

  One way to initiate support for personal concerns not consistent with the “Reasons to Contact” section is to contact the Director of Student Health and Wellness at (517) 353-9010, and offices in Room A-112W Clinical Center in East Lansing and Room 624 Secchia in Grand Rapids or the Assistant Director of Student Counseling & Wellness at (616) 234-2739, Assistant Director of Student Counseling & Wellness, Room 624 Secchia Center. If you are in doubt, please contact the Student Resolution Advocate to help you sort it out.

• How do I report mistreatment?

  Please report mistreatment using the Professional Concerns and Mistreatment Report Form. If you have questions or concerns you want answered prior to making a report, please use the Questions and Comments form.

• Is it acceptable to make an anonymous report?

  Yes. If you choose to remain anonymous and/or not permit contact for conversation, you may limit the options available for resolution of your concern. Anonymous reports may help assess and improve the learning environment.

• Is there a difference if I discuss a sexual assault with the College of Human Medicine Student Resolution Advocate or the MSU Ombudsperson?

  Yes, while university protocols allow the MSU Ombudsperson to honor requests for absolute confidentiality from an adult victim of sexual assault, the College of Human Medicine Student Resolution Advocate must adhere to MSU’s Title IX and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy reporting mandates.

• Must I follow the Student Resolution Advocate’s recommendations?

  No, you are not compelled to follow recommendations that evolve from discussion with the Student Resolution Advocate. Furthermore, you have confidentiality as to whether or not recommendations were made or followed.

• Should I report witnessed mistreatment of another student?

  Yes. Your report will help College of Human Medicine assess and improve the learning environment for everyone.

• Who do I tell if I have a problem with the Student Resolution Advocate?

  The Student Resolution Advocate welcomes feedback. Please feel free to share your concerns or dissatisfaction. Continuing concerns and unresolved problems with the Student Resolution Advocate should be reported to the Dean.

• Will I ever have the Student Resolution Advocate as a medical school instructor? Might the Student Resolution Advocate grade me?

  No. To avoid conflict of interest, the Student Resolution Advocate will not engage in teaching assignments that involve direct interaction with students or situations where there is potential to grade or assess individual students. The Student Resolution Advocate may remain involved in activities such as presentations, informal skill development opportunities, contact with students that are not part of a course and not graded, and work with curriculum and policies.

• Will the Student Resolution Advocate talk to my attorney or testify if I choose to file a grievance or lawsuit?

  No. Once a matter enters any formal process the Student Resolution Advocate does not have any further involvement.

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