Virtual Harassment Resources

Reporting Virtual Harassment

Virtual harassment is the willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of electronic tools. As we occupy more virtual spaces, we want you to know that virtual harassment is harassment, should be taken just as seriously as other forms of harassment, and there is support for those affected. If you are harmed or witness harm to others and wish to report an instance of virtual harassment, there are options available. Instances of “Zoom/web-conference bombing” are also reportable through these resources.

Additional reporting information can be found under Resources for Survivors

Virtual Harassment Specific Resources

Cyberbullying Research Center: If someone wishes to report cyberbullying to a national platform, or is seeking virtual harassment/cyberbullying specific resources, the Cyberbullying Research Center is a national organization that provides several resources.
MSU SecureIT: This resource provides educational materials about information security and offers resources for reporting incidents of virtual harassment and other virtual security incidents.
Women's Center of Greater Lansing: Digital Consent and Boundaries. For more information or to sign up for their newsletter, check out the WCGL website.

Resources for People Impacted by Virtual Harassment

Resources for People Impacted by Virtual Harassment
If someone experiences or is impacted by virtual harassment, there are many resources available at MSU, in the community, and nationally. These resources include services such as counseling and other direct services to advocacy and legal support. A list of these resources can be found under Survivor Resources.

Quick Links

Additional Support Units at MSU

Several support units are available at Michigan State University. These units might not have resources specific to virtual harassment, however, they are well-equipped to support students, faculty and staff seeking additional resources.

The list below is not an exhaustive list of the many support units across the university.

Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions (OCAT): The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) constructs supportive cultural, social and educational communities that actively involve students in learning. OCAT supports individual students in their navigation of cross-cultural encounters, and in their own understanding, exploration and development of cultural identity.
Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS): The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families.
Lesbian Bisexual Gay & Transgender Resource Center: The LBGTRC is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQ+ members of the Michigan State University community.
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives: The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives leads and supports efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU's core values.
Office of the University Ombudsperson: The Office of the University Ombudsperson offers a confidential place to discuss both academic and nonacademic concerns, including administrative issues, workplace issues, or any concern that may relate to Michigan State University students.
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD): RCPD leads Michigan State University in maximizing ability and opportunity for full participation by persons with disabilities.
Student Veterans Resource Center: The Student Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to promoting the educational, career, and personal advancement of military-connected students.
Student Parent Resource Center: The MSU Student Parent Resource Center offers a supportive environment to obtain information and resources for ALL student parents and their families on and off campus.
The Graduate School: The Graduate School's mission is to serve as an advocate for graduate education to the university and beyond and to enhance the quality of graduate education at MSU in all its diverse dimensions.
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: MSU’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is dedicated to leadership development, postdoctoral training infrastructure, and training support.
WorkLife Office: The WorkLife Office partners with the community to create an inclusive, responsive work environment where all faculty and staff are respected and supported toward well-being in work and personal lives.
Faculty Grievance & Dispute Resolution Office: The Faculty Grievance & Dispute Resolution Office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices.
Human Resources: The mission of MSU Human Resources is to support the university's strategic imperatives by anticipating and meeting the needs of a changing community through high-quality, innovative services designed to advance student success and cutting-edge research.
Academic Human Resources: The Office of the Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Human Resources (AHR) has responsibility for ensuring that Michigan State University is able to attract and retain an internationally competitive faculty and academic staff so that MSU can accomplish its mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives.