Here in Building 46, we believe in upholding a code of conduct that promotes a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where every member feels respected, valued, and safe.

Although we strive to create a safe space, we do acknowledge that instances of bias and harassment may still occur. In such cases, it is our goal to ensure that members of our community have access to the information and resources needed to help navigate timely and effective pathways to resolution. Our priority is to ensure that each case is handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and empathy.

If you experience or witness any behavior that you believe violates our code of conduct or makes you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to consider the resources below. You may also refer to the MIT Complaint Process and Resolution website for additional resources regarding formal complaints about policy violations.

Building 46 Key Contacts:
Human Resources Officer (for BCS): Kimberli DeMayo | kdemayo@mit.edu
Graduate Officer: Mark Harnett | harnett@mit.edu
Academic Administrator: Sierra Vallin | svallin@mit.edu
Postdoc Officer: Mark Bear | mbear@mit.edu
Associate Department Head for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) | Laura Schulz:  lschulz@mit.edu  
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Officer: Farrah Belizaire | Farrahab@mit.edu

BCS Policy and Procedures for Concerns About Faculty
The purpose of this document is to outline departmental processes for community members to address concerns or conflicts related to faculty behavior. Specifically, this process is for issues that are not in direct violation of an MIT policy. We respond to concerns by providing support to individuals who have been or might be affected; gathering information; maintaining a record of concerns; intervening to make any changes needed; providing transition funding, support, and accommodations to help people who want to leave the environment. The process is also designed to be responsive to patterns of concerns, even if no individual concern stands out. 

Click here to access the document.

BCS Resources for Easing Friction and Stress (REFS)
REFS is a confidential, student-run, peer-to-peer Resource for Easing Friction and Stress for graduate students in BCS. REFS are here to listen, help you solve problems, and get you in touch with other resources at MIT that may help you address any issue you face during your time here. No matter what issue you are experiencing (work-related stress, relationship-related stress, loneliness, imposter syndrome, and anything else), REFS are here for you.

Contact the BCS REFS at bcs-refs@mit.edu if you would like to talk.

MIT Ombuds Office
The Ombuds office at MIT is a confidential and independent resource to help members of the community constructively manage concerns and conflicts related to your experience at MIT.

The Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response (IDHR) Office
IDHR is a resource to help you navigate incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment at MIT. If you would like to document a concern that you may have with a member of the MIT community, you can submit an incident report to meet with someone from IDHR. The incident report will allow you to discuss the applicable MIT policies and procedures related to your specific concerns, and you can also use this time to learn more about your rights, options, and supportive measures. With this, you also have the option to submit anonymously.

You may also choose to submit a formal complaint to IDHR alleging discrimination and/or discriminatory harassment against a staff or faculty member. A formal complaint will trigger a deeper investigation, and does require a written letter with your signature.

Violence Prevention and Response (VPR)
VPR is MIT’s primary on-campus resource for preventing and responding to interpersonal violence including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

If you're not sure which of these resources may benefit you, you can also review a recording of our presentation on Resources to Support Student Wellness.