Q.  What is the Bias Response Team?

A.  The Bias Response Team consists of representatives of several Student Affairs area offices, plus members representing Recreation Services and faculty.  The Team is based in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Team offers a supportive process through which students can report incidents involving bias.  It is critically important that incidents of bias are reported so that a broad range of initiatives—from those centered on the individuals involved in the incident to those that have implications for the entire university community—may begin.

Once an incident is reported, the student submitting the report will be assisted and supported.  Existing university structures that address the wrongdoing of other students may be utilized in the response process, if the student chooses to do so.  Other university structures that serve to support students' personal and emotional needs, such as those offered through Counseling and Health Services, may also be utilized in the process, and would be highly encouraged.  Finally, the Bias Response Team will serve pro-actively by offering to collaborate with other groups and individuals on campus that focus on educational programs and student activities centered on diversity.

Q.  What happens once I submit a report form to the Office of the Vice President/Dean of Students? 

A.  Your form will be reviewed and a member of the Bias Response Team will contact you to set up a time to meet. Team members will meet with you to review the information provided on the reporting form and will work with you to determine the next steps to proceed.

Q.  Will a report made to the Office of the Vice President/Dean of Students automatically be shared with University Police?

A.  No. Not all reported incidents will be criminal in nature.  Any report that is questionable (criminal/non-criminal) may be reviewed by the Director of Public Safety or his designee to determine further action by UPD.

Q.  Will a report made to the Office of the Vice President/Dean of Students automatically be shared with the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards?

A.  No, but going forward to the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards with a complaint is an option you would have.  This option will be discussed with you.

Q.  What happens if I am listed as an alleged offender in a bias incident?

A.  The student making the report will work with the Bias Response Team member(s) and decide if s/he wants to pursue a formal complaint using the University's existing discipline procedures.  At that point, a person listed as an offender may be contacted to talk with someone about the alleged incident.

Q.  What happens to the bias reporting form after the response process is completed?

A.  The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will keep general and statistical information about incidents for the purpose of preparing an annual report.  The date, type, location, and nature of the incident will be recorded, as will information about how the issue was resolved.  The original report will be shredded.

Q.  Why are bias incidents of concern to Ball State?

A.  The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for helping shape the student experience at Ball State. We feel it is our duty to be responsive to students when incidents of bias occur, and we do this by offering assistance and support to victims. We also participate in and take a lead role in wider campus dialogue about diversity.

Q.  Can the university respond to an incident, even if it took place off campus?

A.  Yes.  The University's authority and expectations for student conduct extend beyond the geographic boundaries of campus. The university can pursue disciplinary action against students for behavior that is not consistent with the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, even if the behavior took place off campus.   Additionally, the University's services that provide assistance and support to victims of bias incidents are extended to all students, regardless of where they reside.

Q.  What other University policies exist that protect individuals?

A.  Please review these resources: 

• The University's Statement on Sexual Harassment:  http://www.bsu.edu/legal/article/0,1375,24288-4086-8479,00.html
• The University's Anti-Harassment Policy:       http://www.bsu.edu/legal/article/0,1375,24291-4086-39577,00.html
• The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities:             http://www.bsu.edu/sa/media/pdf/code-of-student-rights.pdf
• Ball State's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy             http://www.bsu.edu/legal/article/0,1375,24286-4086-8464,00.html
  

Please visits these websites to learn more about the many other campus-wide resources focused on diversity:

• University Compliance http://www.bsu.edu/legal/
• Diversity Policy Institute http://www.bsu.edu/diversity/
• Student Life http://www.bsu.edu/web/studentlife/diversity/