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College of Human Medicine

FAQs


REPORT MISTREATMENT

 

To learn more about how we handle mistreatment cases and learn about what does and does not constitute mistreatment, check out each section below.

  • Who can report mistreatment?
    Anyone can report mistreatment to Learning Environment Committee; learners, faculty, staff members, hospital staff, anyone. You can report either anonymously or with your contact information so the committee can follow up with you.
  • 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.

  • Why wouldn't I report anonymously?
    There are a number of benefits to reporting with your contact information, although of course you’re always welcome to report anonymously. If you leave us your contact information, we can:
    • Reach out to you with questions and to learn more about the incident
    • Learn who else we should talk to, who might have witnessed the incident or been subjected to similar behavior in the past
    • Answer your questions about the process
    • Keep you in the loop as the case progresses
    • Let you know when action has been taken and the case is closed
    Remember that Learning Environment Committee does not share your identity with anyone without your permission. Just because the committee knows who you are doesn’t mean anyone else ever has to.
  • How does the committe ensure my anonymity?

    The committee strives to ensure your anonymity and will make every effort to protect your identity. However, there may be situations where complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of the issue or reporting obligations.

  • I reported mistreatment days ago. Why haven't I heard back from you?

    Our policy is to respond to all non-anonymous reports within 48 hours. If you have not received a confirmation that your report was received within this timeframe, please contact the Learning Environment Chair, Dr. Sean Valles, at valles@msu.edu.

  • 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.

  • Are members of the College of Human Medicine Learning Environment Committee mandatory reporters?

    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 Learning Environment Committee must adhere to MSU’s Title IX and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy reporting mandates.

  • Should I report witnessed mistreatment of another student?

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

  • What is and is not mistreatment?

    Mistreatment is behavior that shows disrespect for the dignity of another person AND interferes with their learning process. This means that receiving critical feedback is not mistreatment, but being told that you’re stupid and useless during a feedback session is mistreatment. Mistreatment can look like: verbal abuse; public humiliation; discrimination; offensive comments based on gender, sex, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, etc; neglect or being left out of educational opportunities; and more. If you’re not sure if the behavior you’ve experienced or witnessed is mistreatment, please reach out to us! We’re happy to talk with you about it.

Mistreatment