From the Desk of the Chancellor, Jan. 17, 2012

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As we begin a new year, I am reminded about how fortunate we are at IUPUI to have a community that makes a positive difference in the lives of others. Our campus includes more than 30,000 students, 8,000 faculty and staff, and countless visitors, patients, clients, and partners. IUPUI does make an impact every day on the lives of thousands of people. And we have an obligation to assure that the impact is positive.

Last year, events at Penn State reminded us that we also have an obligation to act immediately if we see something at odds with our commitment to the campus community—especially when we suspect that an act of abuse, a crime, or other impropriety has taken place around us.

•If you perceive an immediate danger or an obvious crime in progress, call 911 and report it to law enforcement right away.
•If actions involve a child, the state of Indiana has a legal requirement in certain circumstances for individuals to make a report to the Department of Child Protective Services. The Department has excellent information on reporting requirements at its web site: http://www.in.gov/dcs/2971.htm.
•For non-emergency situations, contact the IUPUI police at (317) 274-7911. Our officers can help assess the situation and decide what further action is necessary.
•In general, all of us—and especially those in positions of administrative authority—must make others feel that they can bring forward difficult and uncomfortable news. The same is true for faculty, to whom students often come with concerns.

We are fortunate on our campus to have a range of professionals capable of addressing and investigating reports of misconduct. Although I understand that you may be hesitant to report something you are not sure about, it is important to overcome any reluctance, particularly when the safety of others is at stake.

Thank you for all you do to make IUPUI a better community.

Comments? Write chancllr@iupui.edu.