UI pushes forward with Athletics review and student task force

University of Idaho President Chuck Staben sent out a university-wide memo Wednesday, updating the UI community on the investigation of the handling of sexual assault reports within the Athletics Department from 2012 to 2013.

Staben said the university is “taking a hard look at safety across campus” this spring.

“After concerns about responses to incidents of sexual assault from 2012 and 2013 were made public by Vandal alumni earlier this year, we saw the need to better understand what happened to ensure our students receive the best possible care and support when serious issues occur,” Staben wrote in the news release.

The university hired Patricia Olsson, a retired Idaho attorney, and Dan Beebe, a consultant specializing in human resources risk management services for intercollegiate athletics programs.

“Olsson and Beebe have been tasked with leading a broad review of athletics operations and compliance with university policies and procedures. They will prepare reports for the president and public,” Staben wrote.

The review team’s work has begun and will proceed as quickly as possible, Staben wrote.

In addition to this review team, Dean of Students Blaine Eckles is continuing to form the Student Safety and Wellness Task Force, which will be formed by the end of this semester. This group will gather student feedback and review student support from mental health and wellness to personal safety. This will include preventing and supporting victims of interpersonal violence, according to the news release. The task force will include Eckles and a parent who will co-chair the committee, along with 13 other members, five being students.

“The issues we are addressing are serious and our approach to better understanding is also,” Staben wrote. “We will work quickly but will focus on complete and thorough outcomes.”