Discrimination, Harassment, and Grievances

We expect that all graduate students will have positive relationships with colleagues and faculty during the course of graduate work at Brown. However, in the event that difficulties arise, it is important for students to know how the situation can be handled.

University Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office provides an independent, confidential, neutral and informal resource for for students (and others) who have concerns arising from or affecting their work and studies at Brown.  The Ombudsperson can:

  • clarify university policies and procedures
  • navigate your way through the university bureaucracy
  • explore informal resolution of a conflict
  • get assistance with a difficult conversation with a colleague, co-worker, supervisor, someone you supervise or teach
  • get assistance with someone you are finding difficult
  • think through an ethical or misconduct issue that you would like to address
  • think through any issue arising from your life at Brown
  • find the appropriate person, department or office within the University to respond to your question

Student Support Services

The Graduate School Dean of Student Support can answer any questions or concerns, and can advise students on how to handle personal, family or medical issues and their academic implications.  The Dean can also advise on questions about leave taking.

Title IX Office

The Title IX Office provides a comprehensive list of confidential and non-confidential support for gender and sexual-based harassment.

Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion administers Title VI and VII, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.

Graduate School

The Graduate School maintains a comprehensive listing of resources and contacts for a variety of matters. The contacts provided can advise students on how to proceed with an formal complaint. Students may also refer to the Graduate school website for information on the official grievance process.

Neuroscience Department

The Neuroscience Director of Graduate Studies and the Department Chair can serve as advisors and resources on issues related to discrimination, harassment, and other grievances.