Resources
Resources for Faculty
To assist faculty with familiarity with university processes, the policies and procedures for various areas within Academic Affairs are listed at All Academic Affairs Policies (Print-Only Documents).
Potential Threats and Harassment of Faculty
At the University of Michigan-Flint, we uphold principles that empower faculty to conduct research and teach, express ideas, and engage in robust discourse without reprisal.
While performing these duties, faculty members may encounter criticism from within or outside the university community. There is a crucial difference between civil disagreement and harassment that compromises faculty safety or interferes with their duties.
The university provides various resources and support to faculty experiencing threats or harassment.
University Resources
In any situation that involves concerns for physical safety or immediate danger, call 911 or DPS at 810-762-3333.
File a Report
If the behavior is coming from a member outside of the university community, contact DPS at 810-762-3333.
If the behavior is coming from a current student, consider an initial consultation with the Dean of Students.
Additionally, members of the University of Michigan-Flint (faculty, staff and students) may consider filing a complaint through the Dean of Students under the Code of Student Conduct. The Dean’s office maintains privacy to the extent allowable by law but is not a confidential reporting resource.
If the behavior is coming from a university employee and involves a protected class (race, color, national origin, age, marital status, disability, religion, height, weight or veteran status), file a complaint with the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office. Please note: ECRT is not a confidential reporting resource.
If the behavior is coming from a university employee but does not involve a protected class status, contact the Human Resources Office.
Legal Support
The level of legal support the university can provide varies based on the context of the situation.
For example, if the targeting is based on U-M responsibilities, the Office of General Counsel may be able to offer legal support and advice. If the harassment involves litigation against a faculty member, the university’s defense and indemnification protections may apply; OCG will manage the legal defense.
If the targeting involves a person’s comments/viewpoints/actions as a private citizen, the university cannot provide direct legal support or representation. Individuals should consider outside legal counsel, as needed. The University of Michigan Legal Services Plan may serve as a potential resource.
Mental Health Support
The following resources are available:
- For faculty and staff
- For students
Social Media Security
- Guidelines for protecting your online presence and accounts can be found on the Social Integrity website.
- ITS provides guidance for maintaining digital security for computers, email, and websites as well as for protecting yourself from online harassment.
- MCommunity allows users to remove their contact information by editing their profile. Also, consider your unit website.
Responding to Media
The Office of Marketing & Communications can manage media requests and provide training for speaking with reporters. You may also find this guidance us
Faculty Ombuds
The Faculty Ombuds receives faculty complaints, concerns, and questions about alleged acts, omissions, improprieties, and broader problems, and works to ensure a fair, equitable, and expeditious resolution. The Ombuds may make an informal inquiry, request relevant documentation, review matters received, offer options for resolution, make referrals, and mediate disputes independently and impartially. In addition, the Ombuds serve as a resource for information, communication, and referrals, and makes recommendations for constructive change when university policies or procedures generate conflicts or concerns. The Ombuds adheres to professional standards of practice established by the International Ombudsman Association.
Thomas A. Wrobel
Professor of Psychology
College of Arts, Sciences & Education
[email protected]