President Neil MacKinnon addressed reports of sexual misconduct at the Academic Senate meeting on Nov. 3. The Senate also discussed online digital learning services, such as areas for Blackboard improvement.
“We do not condone the spread of misinformation that may prevent individuals from reaching out for help,” MacKinnon said.
He said in an email to students and faculty that CMU is taking concerns brought forward over the past weeks seriously, adding that the university investigates reports of sexual misconduct and supports survivors.
Anyone affected by sexual assault or other forms of sexual misconduct can seek assistance through a variety of campus renon-confidential support services for survivors
“To reiterate our earlier message, the university received no reports of rape or sexual assault involving the individual named in posts online and that individual is no longer on campus,” MacKinnon said during the meeting.
Senator Lissa Schwander said the reporting process needs to be explained once it reaches the Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity.
“I spent an inordinate amount of hours last week telling students, ‘You talking amongst each other does not constitute a report,” Schwander said.
Advocates working at the Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates office are overwhelmed with what is happening, Schwander said.
Senator Sophia Laurain said that reports were made after an individual connected through the Student Government Association brought the matter to her, and she submitted them on that person’s behalf.
MacKinnon said the information he received from both the police department and general counsel indicated there had been no reports of rape or sexual assault.
MacKinnon had no further comments at the meeting.
CMU continues to expand its online digital learning re efforts help faculty facilitate accessible course material, enhance student success, and foster inclusive learning environments
Senator Martha Frank, CMU professor of mathematics for pre-service elementary teachers, said making math content accessible on Blackboard is challenging, particularly when uploading equations, graphs and other mathematical materials.
Senator Jennifer Simpson said there will be a lunch on Nov. 20 that will teach professors how to make coursework accessible to all students.
“I want more time in my day, not more workshops teaching me what to do,” Frank said.
