Chancellor Provides Update on GWIS Task Force Recommendations

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Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy recently provided an update on the recommendations put forward by the Graduate Women in STEM (GWIS) Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Assault.

Out of the 16 recommendations, 11 have been implemented. The remaining five recommendations are being drafted, revised or are awaiting approval from the Faculty Senate or staff. Subbaswamy appointed the 10-member task force last December to review campus services, policies and practices relating to the prevention and remediation of sexual harassment, assault and violence directed at graduate students.

The task force’s recommendations center on three key areas: improving the reporting structure, setting accountability expectations and developing a more robust training related to sexual violence, harassment and assault.

Subbaswamy reports that in the area of improving the reporting structure several recommendations have been implemented including an update to the UMass Amherst Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence; an updated Title IX website; and increased training for all new staff and faculty on Title IX.

In the area of improving accountability, Subbaswamy said the associate vice chancellor for human resources has revised the standard job application to ask whether a candidate has ever been disciplined for violating an employment policy. Also, a recommendation to have the Office of Equal Opportunity develop reports that can be shared regarding cases of sexual harassment and assault has been implemented.

In the key area of developing more robust training related to sexual violence, harassment and assault, Subbaswamy said the recommendation of a mandatory requirement for faculty related to sexual misconduct prevention and response training has been implemented. Also, training on sensitivity as a front line responder and a comprehensive Title IX review training are now standard features of workshops with graduate program directors and at Graduate School orientations, respectively. Information regarding these trainings is also now being regularly shared at the annual academic affairs leadership retreat.