September 19, 2025 | By Nick Pfost, with contributions from Dana Elger
Four Spectrum Center staff have been newly designated as confidential resources for students at U-M’s Ann Arbor campus—a move leaders hope will encourage more students to seek help and promote a supportive campus environment.
The change comes alongside others to the university policies and reporting obligations for employees.
Under the updated policies, most U-M staff and faculty are non-confidential employees, meaning they are required to share with the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT) information they learn in the scope of their employment about alleged sexual misconduct and protected class discrimination, harassment or retaliation by members of the university community. Confidential resources, however, are exempted from this reporting.
The announcement also follows a 2024 campus climate survey report that found that non-binary and transgender undergraduates disproportionately reported being targeted by stalking and sexual or gender-based harassment, while feeling the lowest levels of safety and confidence in formally reporting these incidents.
Naming certain staff as confidential resources provides students with a safe, private space to share sensitive concerns without automatically initiating a formal report. Particularly in LGBTQIA2S+ and other marginalized communities, this approach encourages students to seek support they might otherwise avoid due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions. Confidential resources offer guidance on available options and connect students with helpful services, allowing them to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Spectrum Center roles designated as confidential resources are the center’s director, associate director, support services and wellness advocate, and educational engagement program manager. The designation is also noted in the center's staff directory.
The changes took effect September 2, 2025.
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