Trust is built upon transparency. We have compiled here some answers to questions that we most frequently get about what we do and how we do them. If you have any other questions not addressed here, feel free to ask us over email or in person!
Q: What training do BioREFS go through?
A: Before being allowed to hear about any cases, all members of the BioREFS are required to complete a specialized training workshop on conflict management. These workshops are run by a external third-party organization, arranged by the Office of Graduate Education for REFS in all MIT departments.
Q: What scenarios are appropriate to meet with a BioREFS for?
A: Many things! We are happy to be simply a listener and help you organize your thoughts, or help you navigate through different possible solutions, or even come up with an action plan together with you; feel free let us know what your need is at our meeting. We are practiced and ready to handle interpersonal conflicts, as well as any scenarios in general that might cause stress and anxiety during graduate school life.
Q: What is the relationship between BioREFS and the Biology department?
A: Similar to REFS in other departments, we are supported by funding from the Biology department for our social events and reimbursements for one-on-one meetings. The Biology department is otherwise not involved in our work with fellow students. The department has at times discussed with BioREFS about ways to improve the PhD experience and the community culture.
Q: Would faculty members hear about what we talk about?
A: No, they would not.
Q: Would other members of the department hear about what we talk about?
A: No, no students, postdocs, professors, staff, and other members of the department would hear about what we discussed, or even the fact that you met with us.
Q: Will other BioREFS hear about what we talk about?
A: From the moment a specific BioREFS is assigned to you (or if you reach out to a specific BioREFS directly), the details of your discussion will be kept from other BioREFS, unless explicitly discussed otherwise with you. We do regularly share with each other anonymized, de-identified descriptions of cases that we have worked on (for example, “I met with a student recently who needed help on discussing career choices with their mentor.”), such that the team is together aware of the latest types of issues encountered in the department.
Q: What do you tell the Biology department about our meetings?
A: We do not share any details of our discussions with the Biology department. Every year, we share with (1) the department chair and (2) graduate committee director an annual report that includes a breakdown of the numbers of different types of cases we have encountered; these statistics strictly do not contain identifying information (for example, which labs are involved, or which cohorts the students belonged in). This report helps us to (1) inform the department on aspects of the graduate student experience that requires attention and (2) justify the funding that we receive from the department to support our social events and reimbursements for one-on-one meetings.
Q: Are there exceptions to your confidentiality?
A: The sole exception is when we learn about probable risk of harm to either yourself or others. In such cases, we are obligated to report and seek external support for safety and liability reasons.
Q: What system do you have for upholding your standard of practice?
A: In case of severe infractions within the team that cannot be resolved democratically, we may opt to seek the help of our faculty advisors to fire a BioREFS, though such scenario has never arisen.
Q: Are you affiliated with MIT Health / Ombuds Office / Campus Police / DEI / etc.?
A: No, we are not. We are thoroughly trained on what different types of resources are available and how to direct you to the appropriate resources if applicable, but we are an independent entity from these resources.
Q: Are you affiliated with the MIT Graduate Student Union (GSU) / BioPals / BGSC / etc.?
A: No, we are not. BioREFS, as part of the MIT-wide REFS network, is otherwise a strictly independent team not affiliated with any other groups or organizations.