BYU is inviting feedback on sexual assault response and Title IX compliance as part of a study announced in April by university President Kevin J Worthen.
BYU on Thursday announced the creation of a website, feedback2016.byu.edu, where people can anonymously leave suggestions for improvements in the way the university investigates sexual assaults. BYU also announced the makeup of an advisory counsel Worthen assembled to review the relationship between the campus’ federally mandated Title IX office and its Honor Code office.
“We appreciate and value all input,” said Jan Scharman, BYU Student Life Vice President and chair of the Advisory Council on Campus Response to Sexual Assault.
The survey asks for suggestions, personal experiences that relate to suggestions made by the participant, the date or year of the participant’s experience, additional comments and the participant’s relationship to BYU.
The survey is anonymous and all text boxes within the website are optional, so individuals who want to provide feedback but not share personal experiences can choose the kinds of input they want to share.
In an email Scharman sent Thursday morning, she said she will lead the advisory counsel. The other BYU council members are nursing professor Julie Valentine, BYU College of Family, Home and Social Sciences Dean Ben Ogles, International Vice President Sandra Rogers, a former dean of the BYU College of Nursing.
“This group has called and will continue to call upon others inside and outside the university to provide added perspective and insight,” Scharman said in the email.
No students have been selected to serve on the committee.
Scharman said the university president has asked the committee to “Identify changes that will help BYU work toward the elimination of sexual assault on campus,” and “Determine how to better handle the reporting process for victims of sexual assault as sensitively and compassionately as possible consistent with the requirements of the Department of Education’s Title IX program.”
Potential outcomes of the study could include structural changes within the university, how information on sexual assault is collected and used, and the relationship between the Honor Code Office and the Title IX office.
BYU has seen intense media attention since sophomore Madi Barney called the university out for the way it investigated her rape case last fall.