External Report: Completion of 105 Recommendations

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

More than a year ago, Baylor University began implementing 105 Recommendations demonstrating the University’s firm commitment to improving our processes, communication, training and response regarding sexual and interpersonal violence within our campus community. Today, I wanted to share with you a significant step forward in the external verification of our improvements.

An extensive review conducted by two of the nation’s leading experts representing Philadelphia-based Cozen O’Connor confirms that all 105 Recommendations are complete and have been fully implemented. This is the second external group within the past few weeks to verify our progress. As part of our commitment to open and forthright communication, the entire 755-page review is available online. The report also was provided to the SACSCOC special review committee and the Big 12 Conference as documentation of our efforts.

The following is an excerpt from Cozen O’Connor’s Executive Summary:

“We find that the University has effectively implemented the 105 Recommendations. From all walks of the University community – students, faculty, staff, senior leadership, the President and the Board of Regents – we have seen tremendous effort and engagement that has met or exceeded the tasks set forth in the recommendations. We note and the University recognizes that implementation is an ongoing task for many of these recommendations. To that end, we find that the University has invested time, energy, resources, personnel, policy, procedures and systems that will continue to support and enhance the ongoing implementation efforts.

“Our conclusion that Baylor has completed the 105 Recommendations does not negate our prior findings, nor can the steps taken by Baylor retroactively ameliorate past wrongs. Our hope is that moving forward, Baylor’s efforts can continue to proactively, continuously and effectively prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based harassment and violence in a manner consistent with Baylor’s institutional values, mission and commitment to maintaining a campus free from discrimination and harassment.”

The 105 Recommendations have been embedded as part of our institutional culture of compliance and accountability. However, we understand that our work is not done. Our unwavering commitment is to our students – to continue to educate, train and respond appropriately to interpersonal violence and work continuously to ensure a safe and healthy campus for all students. We hope our efforts will be helpful to other institutions around the country as we collectively address the scourge of sexual violence that impacts all facets of today’s society.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President