Safety & Ethics Reporting
Boston University recognizes its obligation to promote the safety and health of students, employees, and constituents on campus, and to maintain the highest ethical standards in the classroom, lab, and workplace. If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, bias, or a violation of University policy, among other issues, below is a list of resources to which you can turn. You can find all of the University’s policies on the Boston University Policies website.
Reporting Bias Incidents
At Boston University, bias incidents that happen between individuals are typically reported at the unit level. The University Ombuds can provide a confidential space in which to discuss the multiple means by which the issue can be addressed.
- To students, we recommend contacting the D&I team member listed for your school/college for direction and support. If the school/college does not have a Diversity & Inclusion team member, we recommend contacting the office of the dean for guidance.
- For employees, among the pathways to reporting and/or addressing bias incidents are: talking with one’s manager, engaging the Office of the Ombuds, speaking with a Human Resources representative, reporting serious incidents through the University’s confidential mechanism, Ethics Point, and, in cases where the employee believes that bias has become discrimination, the Equal Opportunity Office.
Behavioral Medicine
A staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, licensed mental health clinicians, and clinical social workers is well-versed in the issues that can crop up in an academic environment.
Boston University Police Department
The Boston University Police Department is a full-time, professional law enforcement agency that provides a wide variety of public services, including alarms, emergency medical assistance, investigating suspicious circumstances, and responding to and investigating criminal matters.
Boston University Title IX Team
Title IX was created to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex—including sex-based violence—in any federally funded education program or activity. Contact this department to report any such incident or for assistance in reporting sex-based discrimination.
Compliance Services Office
The Compliance Services Office coordinates the University’s efforts to meet compliance obligations efficiently and effectively and fosters ethical behavior and a culture of integrity through reinforcement of Boston University’s Code of Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office provides programming for the personal and academic growth of students, represents students’ concerns, and oversees the Division of Student Life, which provides accommodations for students who need them, and sets and regulates standards for student conduct.
Please email: dos@bu.edu
Equal Opportunity Office
The Equal Opportunity Office strives to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students can work and study in an environment free of harassment and discrimination, and that the University meets its obligations under federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and regulations.
Ethics & Compliance Hotline
The University has established an independent and confidential hotline for anonymous and confidential reporting of activities that may involve improper conduct or violations of Boston University policies. All reports will be investigated promptly and discreetly by the University.
Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO)
The FSAO provides free and confidential support, problem solving, or coaching for faculty and staff and their families to address workplace or personal challenges.
Human Resources
Find answers to questions about careers, benefits, leaves of absence, finances, health and wellness, retirement, and other topics related to employment at BU.
Judicial Affairs Office
Judicial Affairs is the primary administrator of the Code of Student Responsibilities.
Please email: judws@bu.edu
Office of the Ombuds
An independent, impartial, and informal problem-solving resource, talking to the Ombuds can be a good first step if you have a concern and don’t know where to turn for help.
Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center
SARP provides professional, rapid, confidential, and free advocacy and assistance to BU students who have experienced a traumatic incident—from sexual and physical assault to interpersonal violence and other crimes.