Anti-Bullying Initiative Update – March 2026

Summer–Fall 2025

The Provost’s Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee was reconstituted to advance the University’s efforts to address and prevent bullying and other forms of abusive conduct not covered under existing discrimination and harassment policies.

The Committee met throughout Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Committee’s Charge and Goals

The Committee’s work has focused on three core areas:

  • Revisiting and strengthening the University’s definition of abusive conduct, informed by institutional experience and peer practices
  • Aligning the 2022 report recommendations with preventative, climate-focused interventions, particularly in mentorship and supervisory relationships
  • Developing a comprehensive implementation framework to replace interim measures 


Progress to Date

1. Revised Definition of Abusive Conduct
The Committee has devised a revised definition. This definition reflects updated peer practices (including University of California, MIT and Oregon State) and institutional input and experience and is intended to provide clearer guidance for identifying harmful conduct. Vice Provosts will engage key stakeholders in the Senate and PPC for feedback prior to moving forward. The 2022 definition remains in effect at this time. 

2. Preventative and Climate-Supportive Measures
The Committee has welcomed the idea of pairing the existing recommendations with a set of preventative mentorship support measures, focused on improving climate and reducing power-based abuse.

  • Expansion of mentorship training and best practices
  • Development of centralized resources and training infrastructure for schools and units
  • Use of data and reporting patterns to identify units requiring additional support


These efforts are designed to complement policy enforcement with proactive culture change and are currently in development.

3. Comprehensive Implementation Framework
The Committee has provided detailed input on an implementation model that is based on the recommendations of the 2022 report and also feedback from PPC and Senate colleagues in 2022-2023:

  • Establishes centralized intake and tracking of complaints (via Maxient)
  • Creates a graduated response model, beginning with remediation (e.g., facilitated dialogue, mentorship plans, counseling support) and escalating to formal investigation when warranted
  • Separates investigation, determination, and disciplinary processes, consistent with governance feedback
  • Incorporates protections for both complainants and respondents
  • Incorporates advising and counseling support resources for both complainants and respondents


This framework builds on the 2022 report and is responsive to concerns raised by stakeholders, including the PPC, and Senate during 2022–2023. Vice Provosts will consult with these and other key stakeholders before finalizing the implementation plan.

Looking Ahead

Following additional stakeholder consultation, the Provost’s Office will move toward full implementation. 

Key next steps include:

  • Establishing the Anti-Bullying Implementation Team and associated infrastructure
  • Launching expanded mentorship training and centralized resources
  • Implementing intake, tracking, and reporting systems
  • Seeking input on the committee's work and progress


Together, these efforts will position the University to codify and expand the current process to best support the University community with a comprehensive, transparent, and prevention-oriented approach to addressing abusive conduct.