Positive Learning Environment 

The GEMS Program and UI College of Medicine are committed to providing a positive learning environment to all students. Any forms of discrimination of mistreatment are not acceptable and will be handled expeditiously. 

Dr. Tim Lacy, Senior Director of Student Learning Environments -Timlacy@uic.edu, is charged with handling all mistreatment concerns, whether experienced or witnessed. The full policy can be viewed here: https://medicine.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Positive-Learning-Environment-Policy-2018.pdf

The following provides students the necessary resources to report their concerns and/or seek help through the Campus Advocacy Network.

1. Mistreatment Concerns: Policy & Reporting

1. • Attached is the UI COM mistreatment/learning environment policy. 

   • When you have experienced or witnessed mistreatment (including discrimination, racism, bias, microaggressions, purposed misgendering, ableism, duty hours violations, inadequate clinical supervision, or anything else), on what to do next: 

                                                               i.      If you are unsure about reporting, I am available for consultations.

                                                             ii.      If you are concerned about retaliation, during a consultation I can outline practical steps to help minimize that possibility.

1. • Here is the online Student Mistreatment Reporting form (1/3 down page). Look for the blue Report Student Mistreatment button. 

                                                               i.      To report anonymously, do not name yourself in the “Relevant Parties” section.

1. • After submission, reports are reviewed by me within 2 business days to determine next steps. Most often I read the reports much sooner.

   • The two attached pdf documents (Reporting & Flowchart) will help with understanding the entire reporting process.

2. On Anonymity and Anonymous Mistreatment Reports 

• If you want to converse with me anonymously, you can:

  • Call and indicate a wish to remain anonymous; or,

  • Create an unique, unidentifiable email account (e.g. using Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) and write me at timlacy@uic.edu. 

• When you submit an anonymous report:

  • It is the general practice of the SLE Office to forward credible/serious reports that name parties (i.e., students, faculty, staff, administration) to the those who are named. Reports are shown to them “as is.”

  • If a student/learner is named, it is also the general practice of the SLE Office to consult with their campus dean (education and/or student affairs) about the report.

• Following Up on Anonymous Reports with Campus LEAG Members

  • If you have submitted an anonymous report, there is a system in place to receive follow-up information—to help close the loop: The Learning Environment Advisory Group (LEAG).

  • LEAG members are nominated by your campus medical student council. The sign confidentiality agreements and receive an orientation. Use campus LEAG representatives to access follow-up information about anonymous submissions to my office. Note: LEAG reps will be updated in a few months after the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

  • LEAG reps have special access to a Box file of anonymous reports. The Box file entries contain: (a) the date of submission, (b) abstracted report information, (c) follow-up steps taken by my office or others, (d) date of the last update, and (e) whether the case is closed or open. If you have submitted a concern, you will need to know, at a minimum, the rough time and date it was submitted.

3. Another Mistreatment Resource: UIC’s Campus Advocacy Network (CAN)

• In addition to the services offered by UI COM regarding mistreatment and sexual misconduct, students may also utilize UIC’s Campus Advocacy Network. See the attached pdf for more. 

• A major benefit of CAN is that their staff do not share my office’s Title IX reporting mandate. You may consult with CAN about sexual misconduct in total confidentiality (so long as imminent harm is not a concern). 

• I have met with their staff and they affirmed that they can also help students in Peoria and Rockford.

Positive Learning Environment Policy

UI COM Student Mistreatment Flowchart

Campus Advocacy Network Contacts