Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education
GMS is committed to providing a work and educational environment that is supportive of all personnel, and is professional, collegial, and conducive to providing exceptional training in teaching, research and patient care. We strive to provide environments in which our students, trainees, staff and faculty can flourish.
The school places a high priority on the appropriate treatment of its community and affiliated members, and provides a mechanism for both open and confidential resolution of complaints from students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and faculty by conducting thorough, prompt, and impartial investigation.
GMS community members who feel that one or more of the community expectations are disregarded can seek assistance and advice from BU, GMS, BUSM department or program leaders directly, or by making a formal complaint (with the opportunity to submit anonymously).
GMS community members are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor, mentor, advisor, dean, program director, chair, clinical coordinator or trusted colleague for resolution of conflicts regarding unprofessional behavior or mistreatment in the workplace, laboratory, classroom or clinic. Keep in mind, this process is not intended for complaints around academic issues such as grading unless it relates to unprofessional conduct or deliberate obstruction to learning opportunities.
How To Submit A Report
You may wish to submit a complaint of mistreatment to GMS directly. An online form is available that allows you to describe the situation and the people involved. The form is received in the GMS office by Leadership who will refer it to the appropriate resource and/or the Appropriate Treatment Committee for investigation and response. You can also reach out to any member of GMS leadership by email to ensure a timely response.
Anonymous Reporting
As an alternative, you may prefer to submit an anonymous form to GMS. We encourage you to consider that anonymity will prevent us from directly reaching out to you for further questions or to provide assistance and/or support. If you do not feel comfortable submitting a written complaint, please direct any questions or concerns to the Ombuds Office or the Equal Opportunity Office.
Response Process
An Appropriate Treatment Committee will be convened at the request of the GMS Associate Provost within 2 days of receiving a complaint of mistreatment. It will include the GMS Associate Provost, Assistant Deans and other leadership as relevant to the situation. These leaders may include dissertation advisory committee members, clinical coordinator, GMS Program Director, relevant Department Chair, legal counsel, Ombuds officer, and/or other university leadership as the situation warrants. The committee will respond to, investigate, document and act upon all complaints received. These processes are intended to ensure GMS community member concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly while also maintaining confidentiality.
NOTE: This process does not apply to complaints relating to sexual misconduct, violence or discrimination. These are addressed by other university policies including the Equal Opportunity and Title IX policies [Policies] and are investigated by other University offices. Submitting a complaint to the GMS Deputy Title IX Coordinator (goffner@bu.edu / 617-358-9541) requires immediate and mandatory reporting.