Conflict Resolution

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is committed to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment for all research trainees. GSBS faculty membership carries with it, expectations for excellence in all aspects of graduate education, training, and mentoring. When conflicts arise, whether in the classroom or in the research setting, there are a number of avenues a student may take to ensure an appropriate and fair resolution.

To ensure the mental health and well-being of students, they are encouraged to reach out to the Student Counseling Service (SCS). SCS offers a confidential atmosphere focused on ensuring emotional well-being. If a student would prefer to seek advice on how to navigate the conflict yet maintain confidentiality, they may also seek to speak with a member of the Employee Assistance Program through the Office of Well-being or to a coach in the Coaching Program through the Office of Student Life.

For circumstances in which the student would like to discuss the conflict in a private atmosphere (confidentiality may not be guaranteed), there are several support resources that a student may contact. These include but are not limited to:

• Their Pathway Director
• The Chair of the department
• The Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement
• The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
• The Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The aforementioned offices/people will seek to provide advice to the student and mitigate any further escalation of the conflict.

If the student would like to file a formal complaint with GSBS leadership, GSBS follows a standard operating procedure adapted from the AAMC Appropriate Treatment of Research Trainees guidelines. Based on the nature of the complaint, resolutions include coaching the trainee on realigning expectations, mediated conversations between the trainee and research advisor, and collaborating with department chairs and other relevant parties on corrective action for the faculty. If the student would like to file a complaint at the institutional level, the student is able to contact the Director for a Positive Learning Environment at UMass Chan. The director serves as a confidential resource and will support the student in collaboration with the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO), the Title IX officer, Human Resources, Associate Deans in the graduate school, and Student Counseling services.

Contact GSBS Leadership            File a Complaint at the Institutional Level