What does it mean to Set the Standard at Baylor?

At Baylor, we Set the Standard in being part of the solution when it comes to stopping, intervening and preventing interpersonal violence. The University is reminded of this as we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

"Set the Standard means holding ourselves and others to high expectations for how we interact with each other," Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX, Laura Johnson, Ph.D., said. "At Baylor, we interact with others with respect, intentionality and grace. We value each person's voice and individuality while ensuring they feel they belong. These are the standards we expect of ourselves and our community."

Baylor is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living and working environment for all members of the Baylor Family, and this doesn't stop at the Equity Office. The University's Division of Student Life and Spiritual Life also work to Set the Standard across campus.

"I have two roles that are a part of my pastoral work at Baylor," University Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life, Burt Burleson, D.Min., said. "First, I am one of the confidential resources at Baylor, meaning I'm not required to report specifics to Title IX." (Other confidential support options include the counseling center, health services, and for Baylor's nursing students in Dallas, Louise Herrington School of Nursing Chaplain and Coordinator of Campus Ministry Sahr Mbriwa.) "The other role," Burleson continued, "is to nurture spiritual formation that moves us all toward wholeness."

Creating a safe environment where everyone can thrive is a university-wide effort. "The Baylor Counseling Center is just one part of the Baylor community's overall response to addressing interpersonal violence," Senior Associate Director of the Baylor Counseling Center Randal Boldt, PsyD,  said. "Our licensed mental health professional staff all receive additional training and expertise in best practices for helping someone recover from trauma, including sexual assault. We also have a coordinator of trauma recovery on our staff, and our resources are free and confidential for Baylor students." Students who want to set up a free, confidential meeting with a Baylor counselor can call 254-710-2467.

The University takes sexual and interpersonal misconduct (SIM) seriously — this includes sexual assault, gender-based and sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and retaliation. Awareness and training play an important role in helping students, groups, faculty and staff be active participants in setting the standard. The Equity and Title IX Office offers a range of training opportunities for individuals and groups.

Report instances of sexual or interpersonal misconduct by contacting the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office by calling 254-710-8454 or submitting a report through baylor.edu/reportit. Title IX also can be reached by email at TitleIX_Coordinator@baylor.edu.