Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education Form

To ensure a supportive learning environment for its masters, PhD and post-doctoral trainees, Graduate Medical Sciences established the Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education (ATGE) reporting form.

Students may view the form here and learn how complaints are reviewed and processed before submitting the ATGE online form below. Complaints of mistreatment to GMS can be submitted named or be made anonymously.

Conflict Response Process

This form is available that allows you to describe the situation and the people involved. The form is received in the GMS office by Leadership including the GMS Associate Provost, the Assistant Dean of Operations and the Assistant Dean of Master’s Programs. GMS Leadership will meet with the student initially to determine next steps, and if the DEI office should be contacted. The entire process will be kept confidential. You can also reach out to any member of GMS leadership directly in person, by phone or by email (contacts below) to ensure a timely response if you prefer not to complete the ATGE form.

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.

You may submit the ATGE form anonymously. 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.

Response Following Submission of the ATGE Form

An Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education 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, the Assistant Dean of Operation and the Assistant Dean of Master’s Programs. As needed other members will be contacted as relevant to the situation. These members may include dissertation advisory committee members, clinical coordinator, GMS Program Director, relevant Department Chair, legal counsel, Associate Dean of Diversity, 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 Office and Title IX 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.

Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education Form

Conflict Response Process

Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education Reporting Form

Contacts