Resource Guide
Office of Institutional Equity Resource Guide (pdf)
Provides a complete guide of resources for students, employees and unaffiliated individuals seeking support on matters related to the Anti-Discrimination Policy or the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Counseling and Psychiatry Services
(517) 355-8270
3rd Floor, Olin Health Services Building
Provides a full range of counseling and support group services to MSU students.
Employee Assistance Program
(517) 355-4506
110 Linton Hall
Provides emotional assistance to employees and their families as they attempt to work through life changes, expected and unexpected events, chronic physical and emotional health issues, and work/life balance concerns. Services are free and confidential.
LBGT Resource Center
(517) 353-9520
302 Student Services Building
The Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Resource Center leads and collaborates on university-wide initiatives that prepare students to thrive in our diverse world, and enhances the campus climate and support services for students marginalized by their sexuality or gender identity.
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Information for Individuals Identifying as LGBTQ+
I am being discriminated against or harassed based on my gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Can I file a complaint with OIE?
Yes. The Anti-Discrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on one's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This includes acts of intimidation or hostility, whether verbal or non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
"Gender identity" includes protection against gender stereotyping based on a person's gender expression. In other words, gender stereotyping is impermissible discrimination or harassment based on a failure to conform to stereotypical gender norms.
What is gender identity?
A person’s internal knowledge of their own gender.
What is gender expression?
A person’s external presentation of themselves, whether through appearance or behavior, as masculine, feminine, or androgynous, for example.
How does MSU define discrimination or harassment?
Discrimination is defined as inappropriate limitation of employment opportunity, access to University residential facilities, or participation in education, athletic, social, cultural, or other University activities on the basis of a protected category under the Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct based on a protected category under the Anti-Discrimination Policy that is objectively and subjectively severe, persistent, or pervasive; and creates an unreasonable interference with the individual’s work or educational experience.
What are some examples of discrimination and/or harassment based on gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation that are prohibited by MSU's policies?
- Being made to use a bathroom that does not correspond with your gender identity
- Being denied health care based on your gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation
- Being told to dress in a way that conforms with another person's conception of how you should present your gender
- Being called names or slurs based on the way you express or identify your gender or your sexual orientation
- Being denied a work or educational opportunity because of the way you express or identify your gender or your sexual orientation
- Being prevented from participating in any University activity (such as a club, group, study abroad program, sport, etc.) due to your gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation
What if I want resources and information, but do not want OIE to investigate?
OIE can direct you to places on-campus where you can seek information and help. OIE can also help you get interim measures in place if you are being sexually harassed, and take other actions to remedy discrimination or harassment. Depending on the facts of the specific situation, this might include:
- Providing academic, housing, or employment accommodations
- Providing additional training or education
- Making campus or facility safety improvements
- Reviewing policies or procedures
- Reviewing reporting protocols with individual employees
At times, in order to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for members of the campus community, OIE may not be able to honor a request for confidentiality. In such circumstances, OIE will inform the victim prior to starting an investigation and will share information only with people involved in the University’s investigation. The victim is not required to participate in the investigation.
Additionally, you can contact the LBGT Resource Center for additional information and support. (Please note: LBGT Resource Center staff are not confidential employees and are required to report incidents of sexual harassment, relationship violence, and sexual misconduct to OIE and the MSU Police).
Where can I talk to someone confidentially?
If you would like to speak with someone confidentially about your reporting options or experience, please contact one of the following resources on campus:
MSU Center for Survivors
(517) 355-3551
http://www.centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/
207 Student Services BuildingProvides counseling and support groups to MSU students. 24-hour hotline and advocacy services are offered to anyone in the greater Lansing community.
MSU Safe Place
(517) 355-1100
http://safeplace.msu.edu/Provides advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, safety planning, information and referrals to survivors of violence and their minor children. All support services are free and confidential.
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services
(517) 355-8270
http://www.counseling.msu.edu/
3rd Floor, Olin Health Services BuildingProvides a full range of counseling and support group services to MSU students.
Student Health Services
(517) 353-4660
http://www.olin.msu.edu/
Click here for locationsOlin Health Center is the primary health care facility for MSU students. Olin Health Center is home to primary care, psychiatry, allergy/immunizations, sports medicine, and health education services. Laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and physical therapy are also located at Olin. Students also have the option of receiving primary care services in the Neighborhood clinics located in Brody, Holden, Hubbard and McDonel halls.
MSU Employee Assistance Program
(517) 355-4506
http://eap.msu.edu/
110 Linton HallThe Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
University Ombudsperson
(517) 353-8830
https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/
129 North Kedzie HallThe Office was established to assist students in resolving conflicts or disputes within the University. We also help staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns. In addition to helping members of the MSU community resolve disputes, we also identify MSU policies that might need revision, and refer them to the appropriate academic governance committee.
I am concerned about being retaliated against if I report the discrimination or harassment.
Federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, make it unlawful for the University to retaliate against an individual who brings concerns about possible civil rights violations to its attention. It is also unlawful for the University to retaliate against an individual for participating in the complaint or investigation process. If the University is made aware of retaliation against a claimant, witness, or respondent by other students, employees, or third parties, the University will immediately investigate to determine what has occurred and will take strong responsive action if any retaliation has occurred.
Where can I find all-gender bathrooms on campus?
The LBGT Resource Center maintains a campus restroom map here.
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (I3)
(517) 353-4563
444 Administration Building
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives leads and supports efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU's core values.
Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
(517) 353-1720
105 International Center
The mission of the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is to provide support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families.
Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT)
(517) 353-7745
339 Student Services Building
The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) constructs supportive cultural, social and educational communities that actively involve students in learning. OCAT supports individual students in their navigation of cross-cultural encounters, and in their own understanding, exploration and development of cultural identity.
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Leads Michigan State University in maximizing ability and opportunity for full participation by persons with disabilities. Assesses and documents disability, academic, and workplace needs. Builds and facilitates individual plans for reasonable accommodations/ Links individuals with technology, education, and resources. Extends independence through auxiliary aids, disability-related information, and self-advocacy.
Student Parent Resource Center
(517) 884-0146
University Village Community Center, Room 107
Student Veterans Resource Center
(517) 884-5973
8 Student Services Building
The Student Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to promoting the educational, career, and personal advancement of service members and veterans at Michigan State University.
University Ombudsperson
(517) 353-8830
129 North Kedzie Hall
The Office was established to assist students in resolving conflicts or disputes within the University. We also help staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns. In addition to helping members of the MSU community resolve disputes, we also identify MSU policies that might need revision, and refer them to the appropriate academic governance committee.
WorkLife Office
(517) 353-1635
116-118 Linton Hall
The WorkLife Office partners with the community to create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported toward well-being in work and personal lives.
If you would like your office or program to be considered for inclusion as a resource on this page, please email us at oie@msu.edu.