Report 2013-124 Recommendation 18 Responses

Report 2013-124: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence: California Universities Must Better Protect Students by Doing More to Prevent, Respond to, and Resolve Incidents (Release Date: June 2014)

Recommendation #18 To: Chico, California State University

All universities should provide their education on sexual harassment and sexual violence to incoming students as close as possible to when they arrive on campus but no later than the first few weeks of their first semester or quarter. Further, universities should provide periodic refresher educational programs, at least annually, to all students on campus to ensure that they are aware of how to handle and report incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016

In October of this year, CSU Chico rolled out refresher training for all students. We are primarily using an online module that will be updated each year to ensure variety of the content. We are also providing for in-person "equivalent" trainings that can be attended by students in lieu of the online module. The training requirement is enforced through registration holds.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From September 2015

CSU Chico has not yet fully implemented mandatory refresher training for all students. Rather than relying on on-line training, CSU Chico's preference is to interact with students face to face in various capacities (in the classroom, during their social interactions, at special events, etc.), as it is believed to be a better method for achieving social change. Due to the labor-intensive nature of this approach, we need additional time to sort out the related logistics. We are in the process of developing a list of the various events, classes, programs, and trainings that a student can attend to meet the annual training obligation. The tracking/logging systems that are necessary to put this in place are also being explored. Most likely there will need to be an online option for students who are unable to attend an in person event, and we are exploring methods by which we can deliver this option. We continue to offer refresher training on a voluntary basis, and have a number of programs occurring on campus to deliver the information to students.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented

1-Year Agency Response

Refresher training is now available to students on the Title IX website. Additionally, CSU Chico partnered with a student group to host a screening of The Hunting Ground. The film was followed with a discussion led by a panel comprised of individuals involved with our prevention efforts on campus. Our Title IX team also attended events associated with Take Back the Night and provided information and outreach on reporting options and general information about our sexual violence prevention efforts. Members of our Title IX Team participated in the CSU Chico student led "Town Hall" meetings related to Sexual Assault. It is anticipated that these efforts will continue in the coming years, as an additional avenue to remind students about the information learned through our incoming student training. Additionally, we have developed programming around bystander intervention that will be rolled out throughout the 2015-16 year, and which will include information on reporting and resources. CSU Chico has not yet implemented mandatory refresher training, as the past year has been focused on assuring that high risk groups are trained annually, as well as ensuring that our Title IX team is fully staffed. Rather than relying on on-line training, CSU Chico's preference is to interact with students face to face in various capacities (in the classroom, during their social interactions, at special events, etc.), as it is believed to be a better method for achieving social change. The logistics of how to track such training and ensuring that we reach all students each year are still being ironed out.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented

6-Month Agency Response

CSU, Chico provides training through a third-party provider. The recent training period began August 4, 2014. Students are encouraged to complete the training before coming to campus, and must complete the training prior to beginning Spring classes. As of December 1, 2014, the completion rate was 95%. In addition, students arriving in the spring semester must take the training prior to fall registration.

CSU Chico is in the process of making voluntary refresher training available for students anytime through the CSU, Chico portal, and is working to create a number of additional training opportunities which will be available to students.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

CSU, Chico is currently offering training through a third-party provider. The training period began August 4, 2014 and students are encouraged to complete the training before coming to campus. The final deadline for students is October 24, 2014.

Voluntary refresher training is available for students anytime through the CSU, Chico portal, including for students starting in the spring semester. In addition, students arriving in the spring semester must take the training prior to fall registration.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Partially Implemented

CSU Chico has implemented the first part of the recommendation by requiring students to complete the sexual harassament and sexual violence portion of the training by September 12th. However, CSU Chico has not yet implemented a mandatory refresher training program for all students.

All Recommendations in 2013-124

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.