Guidance to Campus in Support of Unit Level Efforts

To ensure that our campus is handling the commemoration of Feb 13 in the most sensitive and trauma-informed way as possible, it is not recommended that groups, units, or offices hold smaller commemoration events.  

If your unit is considering an independent commemoration event, here is some trauma-informed guidance to consider: 

• Be aware of the university-wide events and avoid overlapping efforts, if possible. Additional timing, location, and details will be announced soon, and updates will be regularly available here. Additional timing, location, and details will be announced soon.
• Ensure invitees are well prepared for exactly what will occur at your event, so that the details and their participation is not met with surprise.
• Describe your event as fully as possible – what will you be doing, where will it be, what is expected of attendees or participants?
•  Attendance should always be optional, and participants should be able to exit easily at any time. 
• Commemorative events should not be a source of retraumatization, to this end, we do not recommend that individuals publicly share personal stories or that groups engage in expression of memories and experiences from Feb 13.
• Providing narratives or listening to others’ stories can be quite activating for those who have experienced trauma.
• Without the support and direction of mental health professionals, this type of exercise can create additional distress, often unexpectedly.
• Share links to supportive resources with planners and attendees however possible. Some helpful resources may include:
  • Counseling & Psychiatric Services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Office for Resource and Support Coordination
• Engage with IPF Events early for assistance in planning events which will involve entities outside your department or immediate responsibility and/or take place in university-managed spaces.
• IPF Events can help you identify, coordinate, and schedule logistical support needs, such as Parking, Security, space-use approval, waste management, restroom facilities, electrical service, and seating.
• They typically require 90 days notice for many approval processes, so contact them as early as possible for support.
• MSU counseling staff will not be readily available for individual unit events, as MSU will be utilizing 3^rd party support for presence at university-wide events, and MSU UHW staff will not be on duty to provide them an opportunity to engage in commemorative events. Plan accordingly.
• Notify ORSC about your planned commemoration efforts, so that publicly announced offerings can be shared via our website and any important coordination can occur. 
• Email orsc@msu.edu with planned dates, times, locations, and event details.