Comprehensive policies for victims of sexual assault returning to the campus classroom: Lessons from university sports-related concussion policies

Abstract

ObjectiveThe current paper presents a comparison of university policies and health and academic accommodations offered to undergraduate students following sexual assault (SA) and sports-related concussions (SRC). Procedures and protocols for universities to consider adapting from their SRC policies to their SA policies are detailed.Participants: The SRC and SA policies at the 50 United States public flagship universities were analyzed.Methods: The research team coded for a number of policy details including health referrals, academic and financial accommodations, and requirements for follow-up with university personnel.Results: Compared to SA polices, SRC policies at the public flagship universities offer more comprehensive academic accommodations and physical and mental health resources. Conclusions: Comprehensive policies for student SA survivors, like those available for students who suffer SRCs, would improve student health and academic outcomes and increase SA survivors’ likelihood of graduating college, thereby reducing individual and societal human capital loses.

Keywords:

• Return-to-academics
• sexual assault
• sports-related concussion
• university policy

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of USA, and did not require IRB approval.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Notes

1 The name of the SA policies varied by institution (e.g., SA policy, sexual misconduct policy). The present paper uses the term “SA policy” to refer to all policies specific to sexual aggression or violence.