Penn State leaders have spent significant time reviewing the 239-page Final Program Review Determination issued by the Department of Education on Nov. 3, 2016 as a result of the Department’s five-year Clery audit. As we noted previously, this review was unprecedented by the Department of Education in scope and duration.
As the Department of Education was compiling its final report, we appreciated the opportunity to provide context and perspective where we disagreed with the findings. Despite that, we have accepted the fines and will continue to focus on our ongoing Clery compliance. It is Penn State’s goal to not only meet the standards articulated by the Department of Education, as we believe we currently do, but to set a new standard for Clery compliance in higher education.
Penn State has taken significant actions, particularly over the last five years, which have led to significantly strengthened programs since 2011. To learn more about actions taken by Penn State since 2011, please visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/newsdocuments/Actions_since_2011.pdf.
Today, Penn State has robust Clery training and collection processes in place. We have many initiatives, including 18 focused on fighting sexual assault and misconduct, with the creation of new positions, mandatory employee training, a universal hotline and many others. Penn State has endorsed a standard of strict compliance, particularly over the past five years, and we will continue, and add as needed, numerous and vigorous efforts to create a culture of reporting, safety and accountability.