A set of directions detailing the correct procedure for reporting actual or potential abuse or violence toward children was released on Friday to all students, faculty and staff at Syracuse University.

The procedures were drafted and subsequently distributed by the Joint Working Group of the university and Board of Trustees, which was created in December 2011 to review SU’s policies for the above conduct and analyze the university’s responses to allegations of misconduct.

Students, faculty and staff were made aware of the changes in Friday’s campus-wide email, which contained a link to an SU news release that detailed the university Statement of Principles for creating a healthier campus environment.

“We believe we are advancing the University’s goals of ensuring safety, establishing accountability and providing clear lines of communication with respect to matters we all care a great deal about,” said Howard Phanstiel, Board of Trustees vice chairman and chairman of the Joint Working Group, in the release.

Additional members of the Board of Trustees, senior university administrators and the faculty representative to the Board of Trustees compose the rest of the Joint Working Group.

The document released Friday contains specific instructions for mandated reporters and “all other members of the University community” who witness or have suspicions about potential child abuse and other questionable behavior within SU programs or facilities.

Going forward, the Joint Working Group’s goal is to continue to analyze policies and locate potential “gaps” to “recommend changes to ensure the effectiveness of efforts to create a culture aligned with the University’s academic mission and consistent with the values of transparency and sound governance.”

The press release said the Joint Working Group plans to release a more comprehensive report of its activities before the end of the 2012-13 academic year.

Published on August 31, 2012 at 12:26 pm

Contact Michael: mjcohe02@syr.edu | @Michael_Cohen13