- How can I contact B-GRIPS?
- How confidential is B-GRIPS?
- Are the B-GRIPS Fellows trained?
- Do any faculty or staff oversee the B-GRIPS program?
- Can I request who I’d like to speak with?
- Where and when do B-GRIPS Fellows meet with students?
- What is the difference between B-GRIPS and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?
- Can I leave feedback about my meeting with a B-GRIPS Fellow?
- What are common topics that people come to B-GRIPS to discuss?
- How does someone become a B-GRIPS Fellow?
- Has B-GRIPS been replicated anywhere else?
How can I contact B-GRIPS?
Please email us at [email protected] to request an appointment or to request information.
How confidential is B-GRIPS?
B-GRIPS provides an impartial, confidential, low-barrier resource to Brown University graduate students. B-GRIPS Fellows will not provide identifiable information about people with whom they have spoken and situations about which they have spoken, unless, during the course of a discussion, the Fellow is given permission to do so for the purpose of informal conflict resolution. The only exception to this pledge of confidentiality is where the Fellow determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm. B-GRIPS Fellows will maintain this policy after the conclusion of their tenure in the program. As an organization, B-GRIPS keeps statistical information for analyzing and reporting trends and making recommendations to University administration.
Are the B-GRIPS Fellows trained?
Yes. B-GRIPS Fellows have completed 40 hours of training in conflict resolution and mediation through the Brown University Ombuds Office.
Do any faculty or staff oversee the B-GRIPS program?
Yes. B-GRIPS is co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Campus Life, with support from the Ombudsperson. There are also two faculty advisors.
Can I request who I’d like to speak with?
Yes. Please include the name of the B-GRIPS Fellow in your email. You can find more information about current B-GRIPS Fellows here.
Where and when do B-GRIPS Fellows meet with students?
Students and B-GRIPS Fellows meet at mutually convenient times and locations. If a student does not have a specific meeting place in mind when contacting the program, B-GRIPS Fellows will suggest a meeting place that provides an appropriate level of confidentiality. We'll also buy you a coffee or tea if you'd like!
What is the difference between B-GRIPS and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?
The B-GRIPS program provides peer support for graduate students on a range of issues, including:
- Problem identification,
- Resource identification,
- Exploration of options, and
- Informal facilitated discussion between graduate students.
CAPS provides crisis intervention, short-term individual therapy, group therapy, community outreach, and referral services for graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.
Also, one of the main goals of B-GRIPS is to collect non-identifying information about the issues graduate students are struggling with, in order to compile an annual report. This report will be publicly available and provide the graduate school with awareness of gaps in existing resources so that the university can adapt to better serve graduate student needs.
Can I leave feedback about my meeting with a B-GRIPS Fellow?
Yes. You can access the feedback form here.
What are common topics that people come to B-GRIPS to discuss?
Popular topics include working with advisors and colleagues, concerns about departments and programs, finding and using resources within the university, concerns about qualifying exams, and concerns about dissertation completion. No problem too big or too small, we will happy to meet with you.
How does someone become a B-GRIPS Fellow?
In order to become a B-GRIPS Fellow, a graduate student must complete an application and interview process, as well as a 40-hour conflict resolution workshop provided by the Brown University Ombuds Office. In addition, B-GRIPS Fellows are required to attend two hours of continuing education per semester. Continuing education options must be approved in advance by the B-GRIPS program, and include the following:
- Programs specifically designed or offered for B-GRIPS Fellows;
- University Human Resources workshops through LearningPoint (an online professional development tool); or
- Workshops offered by the Brown University Mediation Project, or other University groups
Has B-GRIPS been replicated anywhere else?
B-GRIPS utilizes best practices developed by members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Resources for Easing Friction & Stress program, while taking into account Brown University's unique culture and climate.