Resources

PDPA Events and Workshops

• Keep an eye out for events and workshops hosted by PDPA tailored towards towards professional development

Postdoc Academy

• Check out our comprehensive online and in-person program built for postdoc skill development

BU’s BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training)

• This program is open to biomedical graduate and postdoctoral trainees, working towards enhancing biomedical career development

Office of Research Events

• BU’s Office of Research frequently hosts events all over campus highlighting research done by the BU community

IS&T Workshops

• BU’s Information Services & Technology department offers a number of training classes throughout the year. Check out their page to see course descriptions and scheduled offerings

Center for Teaching & Learning

• BU’s CTL partners with faculty to cultivate teaching that is inclusive, centered on student learning and guided by research. They offer consultations and various workshops

ARROWS (Advance, Recruit, Retain, And Organize Women In STEM)

• ARROWS aims to facilitate enhancement and success for BU’s women in STEM. They offer various resources and events for the entire BU community

Boston Postdoctoral Association

• The BDA is a regional coalition of postdoc associations and representatives, aiming to foster a sense of community, increased communication and creating a collaborative environment in the Greater Boston Area. They host a number of career development workshops, social events, as well as offer a number of resources to enhance postdoc experiences

National Postdoctoral Association

• The NPA provides a national voice and seeks a positive change for postdoctoral scholars all over the country. They offer resources for research enhancement and professional growth

Human Resources

Postdoctoral Associates should attend a New Employee Orientation organized by Human Resources. These sessions are held every Monday at 9:00 AM. Contact your departmental administrator in order to sign up for a session. If you have questions related to your eligibility for benefits, your existing benefits, policies within the employee handbook, or other HR-related concerns, you can contact the HR Service Center (hr@bu.edu, 617-353- 2380) for assistance Monday – Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

Charles River Campus
25 Buick Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-2380

Medical Campus
801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: 617-353-2380

Office of the Ombuds

The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal problem-solving resource serving BU faculty, staff, and students. The Office maintains strict confidentiality and provides a safe place for off-the-record conversations on issues related to life, work, or study at Boston University. If you contact the Office of the Ombuds, you do not have reveal your name or any identifiable information. The office can be reached at (617-358-5960) and is located on the Charles River Campus at 930 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 and on the Medical Campus at Suite 818 in the Solomon Carter Fuller Building, 85 East Newton Street. The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal problem-solving resource serving BU faculty, staff, and students. The Office maintains strict confidentiality and provides a safe place for off-the-record conversations on issues related to life, work, or study at Boston University. If you contact the Office of the Ombuds, you do not have reveal your name or any identifiable information. The office can be reached at (617-358-5960) and is located on the Charles River Campus at 930 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 and on the Medical Campus at Suite 818 in the Solomon Carter Fuller Building, 85 East Newton Street.

Faculty/Staff Assistance Office

The Faculty/Staff Assistance Office provides confidential counseling and referral services. It is available to you and your family members if you are experiencing personal, family, or work-related problems. Services are available to anyone with a BU ID, and include:

• Consultation
• Problem assessment
• Short-term psychotherapy
• Referral resource information
• Support for sexual assault or harassment

If you have a problem and are in doubt about the wisest course of action, we encourage you to contact the office. In response to your call, a counselor will meet with you to discuss your problems and consider solutions. If additional specialized counseling proves necessary, they will provide you with a referral. Contacting the office is confidential; no one will know you have used the Faculty/Staff Assistance Office unless you tell them.

Charles River Campus
270 Bay State Road, B-30
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-5381

Medical Campus
Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center, Suite 818b
85 East Newton Street
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-638-5381

International Student & Scholars Office

The ISSO is an important resource for international postdocs and a required first stop if you are new to BU. Knowledgeable advisers are available to answer questions related to your employment at BU, immigration status in the U.S., international travel and more.  You can contact your International Scholar Advisor or visit the ISSO during the designated weekly walk-in hours for assistance.

Another great resource through BU Global Programs is The Hub. This tool is available to the entire BU Community.  Here, you will find resources for building your career, exploring the BU community, and more. It’s an efficient way to learn about some of the offices across BU.

Equal Opportunity Office

The EOO serves as a resource for individual employees and managers who have questions or concerns about discrimination or harassment, accommodation of employees with disabilities, accommodation of religious practices, and other equal opportunity and affirmative action-related matters.

Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Office 

The Sexual Assault Response & Prevention office (SARP) can provide advocacy for postdocs who experience gender-based violence, including sexual trauma, rape, stalking, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence and sexual exploitation. They can also provide referrals to therapists and counselors in the Boston area who have experience working with survivors. For immediate medical attention following sexual assault, SARP recommends Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Emergency Department, where a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) can meet you and conduct a forensic exam and collect evidence. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is another useful off-campus resource, and the Victim Rights Law Center can provide legal services to survivors of sexual assault in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Reporting Misconduct & Ethical Violations

Boston University recognizes its obligation to employees and constituents to maintain the highest ethical standards. The University has established an independent hotline, administered by EthicsPoint, for anonymous and confidential reporting of activities that may involve improper conduct or violations of Boston University policies.

To report concerns or seek advice on matters related to scientific misconduct, research safety, animal welfare, or other safety or research compliance matters at Boston University, you can find information on BU’s Research Reporting website.

Boston University is committed to fostering a safe and learning environment to all members of the University community. To report sexual misconduct, you can find information on BU’s Center for Sexual Assault Response & Prevention website.

BU Sustainability 

The mission of BU Sustainability is to lead the University to a more sustainable future and integrate sustainability into the culture and structure of Boston University. Implementing the Climate Action Plan will allow the University to reduce its use of natural resources, operating costs, and improve environmental and social impacts. Learn more about how you can get involved with sustainability at Boston University by visiting our website.

Behavioral Health: Different phases of life bring different stressors, and we hope you will find refuge in one of these resources below. Remember that PDPA, the Faculty/Staff Assistance Office, and the Office of the Ombuds are available to help if you aren’t sure where to go. These resources are available to all postdocs regardless of employee status:
Depression, Anxiety, Suicide

• BU Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders
• Boston Samaritans Hotline: 1-877-870-4673
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
• LGBT Specific Hotline – The Trevor Project: 1-866- 488-7386

Substance Abuse

• Boston Alcoholics Anonymous
• New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous

Postpartum Depression/Family Stress

• Stress Massachusetts Warm Line

Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence

• Jane Doe Inc.

LGBTQ Violence

• Fenway Violence Recovery Project

Food Access: Depending on your living or family situation, you might find it challenging to make ends meet. You should know that there are options to help you access food –

• The Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 helps callers find food resources near them and determine eligibility for and complete SNAP applications. They can provide information in 160 different languages.
• The SNAP program helps individuals and families stretch their food dollars. Learn if you are eligible for SNAP and how you can apply at MA SNAP Resource Website. You can stretch your food stamps funds even further at farmers markets- click here to learn more about the Bounty Bucks program.
• The WIC program provides access to food, education, and other resources for families who qualify. Learn if you qualify and how to find a nearby clinic by visiting the MA Gov WIC Resource Website or calling 1-800- WIC-1007.
• The National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3 HUNGRY or 1-866-348-6479) can help you find emergency food assistance, food pantries, and more. The Greater Boston Food Bank,  and BMC (for patients) offer great tools to help you find pantries, community meals, and other food resources in your area.
• HR offers the DASH for Health Nutrition Program, which is designed by physicians at BU and BMC. It’s an online nutrition and weight-loss program that is free for all BU employees.

Parenting & Other Support for Families: Postdocs at BU come from all walks of life. There are resources available to help you support your children or other family members.

• New mothers may benefit from HR’s list of lactation rooms on the Charles River and Medical Campuses. Massachusetts Family Resource Centers offer multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, early childhood services, information and referral resources, and education for families whose children range in age from birth to 18 years of age.
• Speak with your school system about a Summer Meals program for children and to learn about Free or Reduced Price School Meals for school-aged children. Senior citizens need support too – resources such SNAP, home delivery, and other support exist as well.
• The BU Faculty Staff Assistance Office offers workshops to balance home life, including one for new parents. Their website has a number of resources specifically tailored to parenting.
• Childcare: In addition to the following resources, you may also find care.com to be useful. At CRC: BU Children’s Center accommodates children of BU students, faculty and staff. Children may attend the center if they are between the ages of two and five years old. Admission is based on the number of spaces available each year. At BUMC: Little Sprouts is an early-education and child care school on the ground floor of the Medical Students Residence at 815 Albany Street.

Sexual Assault

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE
• The Center for Changing Our Campus Culture
• The Network/LaRed  – Hotline for lesbians, bisexual women and the transgender community
• Victim Rights Law Center
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery