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Board of Regents urges transparency after UM‑Missoula sexual‑assault reports; campus outlines changes
Summary
Regents pressed for transparency and directed the Commissioner’s office to coordinate with campuses and authorities after news reports about sexual assaults at the University of Montana‑Missoula. UM President Royce Engstrom described campus steps including cooperation with federal investigations, student disciplinary outcomes and expanded prevention efforts.
The Montana Board of Regents said it expects transparency and cooperation following recent news reports about sexual assaults at the University of Montana‑Missoula and directed the Commissioner of Higher Education to help restore public trust.
Chair Angela McLean opened the May 24 meeting by saying board members were “deeply troubled and concerned” and wanted the public fully aware of steps being taken. Commissioner Clayton Christian told the board that “student safety is the highest priority” and that his office would work with campuses “as expeditiously as possible.”
President Royce Engstrom updated regents on the UM‑Missoula situation, saying the campus has cooperated with a Department of Justice investigation and will comply with a recently initiated Department of Education review. He reported that seven students “are no longer with the university and will not be permitted to return,” and said campus action was taken consistent with due process.
Engstrom listed measures the campus has implemented or proposed: enhanced mandatory education with online instruction, a new student‑athlete code of conduct, clarified reporting processes with Missoula authorities, mandatory employee reporting requirements, added security, a grant application to fund an additional sexual‑assault program position, consultations with national experts and possible use of a crisis intervention specialist. He also said the campus has held community and student forums and responded to media requests while respecting confidentiality.
The board emphasized the need to review system policies and procedures, address jurisdictional issues that affect investigations and victim safety, and identify methodical steps to improve campus safety. Commissioner Christian said part of the response will be a cultural shift that could include personnel and policy changes and that his office would help clarify legal complexities.
The regents requested information from campuses about next steps and follow‑up actions; no formal policy change or vote on new systemwide sanctions was recorded at the meeting.
The Board of Regents recorded the discussion as part of its May 24–25 meeting at Montana State University‑Northern and directed the Commissioner’s office to report back on implementation and communication efforts.
