The University of Michigan has hired Guidepost Solutions, a firm responsible for helping the university make reforms following a report on the investigation into former Provost Dr. Martin Philbert’s sexual misconduct.
The report found that Philbert had sexually harassed graduate students and employees for two decades. The report makes recommendations to the university, like requiring annual online training for all employees on sexual misconduct and launching a climate survey on sexual misconduct for faculty and staff, with results shared with the campus community.
“This moment represents an important step as part of our long-term commitment to a process of improvement,” Board Chair Denise Ilitch said in a statement. “The addition of Guidepost’s expertise helps us work toward realizing the vision for a campus where sexual misconduct will not be tolerated.”
Guidepost Solutions specializes in regulatory compliance, monitoring, investigations and security. The university’s agreement with the firm ends Dec. 31 of next year, or until the recommendations are addressed. As a part of the process, public reports will be provided to the board and the president.
“Our focus will be to understand institutional needs, challenges and cultures to define solutions that are impactful and sustainable over the long term,” said Asha Muldro, a senior managing director for Guidepost, in a statement. “This is a forward-looking constructive effort to work with the university in a changing environment.”
