SMU tightens sexual misconduct disciplinary measures; suspects may get temporary campus bans

SINGAPORE — In a bid to deter sexual misconduct, Singapore Management University (SMU) has strengthened its code of conduct and disciplinary framework, set up a first-response unit and added more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on campus, among other measures.

The new disciplinary code will also allow for the temporary suspension or exclusion of a student from the university's premises before the outcome of an investigation, if the university is concerned about the safety of the students involved and others, an SMU spokesperson said.

In another key change announced on Thursday (Oct 3), SMU’s disciplinary panel now has the power to record a sexual misconduct offence on the student’s internal and external academic transcript for a maximum period of three years following graduation.

The moves by SMU come in the wake of a national discussion on sexual misconduct on university campuses, sparked by a widely publicised incident at the National University of Singapore (NUS) earlier this year.

SMU said that its enhanced disciplinary code — renamed the SMU Disciplinary Code and Procedure — will now include postgraduate students, non-graduating students, and students who are on internships — in addition to undergraduates as was the case previously.

Yet another change is that offences covered by the code will not be limited to SMU’s premises.

NEW PROCEDURE TO PROBE COMPLAINTS

A new procedure has been put in place to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct, the university said.

Following a complaint, for instance, the dean of students will organise an “initial review meeting” to deliberate and agree on follow-up action, evaluate the welfare and support needs of both the victim and the accused, and determine whether any interim measures need to be put in place.

The SMU spokesperson said that in cases of sexual misconduct which are classified as major violations, the disciplinary panel may impose mandatory training and education on the student.

A dedicated unit called Voices@SMU has also been formed to respond to harassment and sexual misconduct cases, to provide professional support and care to affected students — both victims and accused parties.

The unit is supported by a team of trained staff members who will provide students with the necessary assistance and who will explain and explore reporting and support options regarding their cases.

In terms of infrastructure, SMU has strengthened its ground patrols and security responses for reported or suspected cases of voyeurism, and increased the number of CCTV monitors to ensure adequate coverage outside toilets and shower facilities. It has also put up more signs warning of trespass into toilets and shower facilities.

For its students, it has developed an online education module on consent and respect. They can also receive support and make use of reporting options online at https://voices.smu.edu.sg.

YALE-NUS CASE

Cases of sexual misconduct on university campuses here have been in the spotlight this year.

On Tuesday (Oct 1), Yale-NUS student Brandon Lee was charged in court with taking upskirt videos of women and filming them showering on campus. He has been suspended from the college since March.

Earlier this year, NUS came under fire for how it handled a peeping tom case on its grounds. In April, NUS undergraduate Monica Baey, 23, took to social media to express her frustration after she was filmed showering in Eusoff Hall by fellow student Nicholas Lim, also 23.

In the wake of the case, NUS then stepped up security measures such as increasing the number of security guards at hostels and adding hundreds of CCTV cameras.

Other universities have separately began reviewing their disciplinary frameworks.

SMU’s announcements on Thursday came after the university set up a “student disciplinary review task and finish group” in May to review the student discipline policy, procedures and framework.

The group was chaired by the SMU provost and comprised faculty members from various schools, representatives from the Office of Dean of Students, as well as current and past presidents of the SMU Student Association.