In this brief video, we introduce our new tool for navigating conflict resources at Emory. This tool can help you find the right resources to support you based on the kind of conflict you are experiencing and the kind of support you are seeking.
Mapping Emory's Resources
Emory is a big place. Precisely because Emory is such a large and complex organization, it can be challenging to know where to go to get help when you find yourself faced with a problem. The right resource may depend on a lot of factors, from the type of concern to your role at Emory. It's a lot to consider, and it's no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed!
As we have listened to our visitors over the past three years, it has become clear that what is needed is a way for Emory community members to navigate the various resources available to them depending on their concerns and goals. In other words, people need a map, something that can help orient you to which resources offer what kinds of support. Here, we provide two ways of making sense of Emory's many resources, and a tool for navigating through them.
Concern Categories
One way to organize Emory's resources is according to the basic type, or category, of issue the resources is designed to address. We have provided some descriptions of the major concern categories for which Emory has a resource below.
These concerns involve different treatment compared with others (including harassment) based on, for example, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, or other identity. This category also includes concerns about comments or behaviors perceived to be insensitive, offensive, or intolerant based on identity-related difference.
This category includes unwanted physical, verbal, written, or other sexual conduct including conduct that may create a hostile or intimidating environment.
These resources assist with concerns related to employment for staff, faculty, and students, including pay and benefits, performance management, professional development, and employee relations.
These resources assist with concerns that may or may not fall into the above categories, but fundamentally involve some sort of relationship dynamic or disagreement about an issue.
Understanding the concern categories is helpful, but it does not fully explain how each resource can help you identify and achieve your goals. One way to think through those goals is by thinking of resolution options as falling along a spectrum--what we call the Conflict Spectrum. It’s like a resource rainbow that can help you make sense of where you are and what you need to get where you want to go.
What is the "Conflict Spectrum"?
The basic idea is simple: for every type of concern exists a range of approaches to address and resolve that concern. Some people simply want to understand their options better; others want emotional or psychological support for themselves, but do not want to engage directly with other parties. Still others want to explore "win-win" options, either through coaching or facilitation. Finally, some concerns are best addressed through formal, third-party adjudication.
Below, we have organized these goals into six color-coded categories to help you understand how Emory's resources fall along this spectrum of conflict approaches.
A Rainbow of Resources
Below, we have organized these resolution options into a color key. By clicking on each color, you can learn more about which resources at Emory offer which type of resolution, from informal guidance to formal procedures.
Resources highlighted in purple provide neutral, informal guidance on how to resolve disputes, including information about how other options such as formal investigations work and where to obtain individual support. These resources are a great first option if you are not sure where to go and a good way to obtain an informal perspective.
These resources (dark blue) proactively focus on preventing or reducing harm caused by conflict through accountability, awareness, community standards, and training. While they may not involve formal investigations or grievance procedures, they are a good place to go for individuals who wish to add their voices to improving the community.
Resources colored light blue provide aid including but not limited to psychological support, emotional support, listening, nonemergency medical assistance, and conflict coaching.
These resources, in green, assist with addressing interpersonal or organizational conflict by facilitating communication and focusing on shared interests. These options may include mediation, facilitated dialogue, restorative practices, or shuttle diplomacy as well as conflict coaching.
Resources marked orange may address issues through formal complaints. These offices will often conduct an investigation to determine the facts and then engage in a process designed to determine whether the facts demonstrate a violation of a certain standard (such as the Honor Code, Conduct Code, or Emory University policy). Depending on the specific process, both complainants and respondents may have certain rights. Formal procedures are the only way sanctions can be imposed on an individual member of the community, but only according to the specific process and standards in question.
Below, you can sort through Emory's conflict resources according to concern categories and your preferred resolution approach. Each resource is marked with a color-coded icon that corresponds to the Resource Rainbow of conflict approaches and goals. You can then select each resource to learn more about it and be connected with that office. We hope you find this tool a valuable way of making sense of Emory's many resources.
If you are interested in learning more about any of these resources, please reach out to us--we would love to hear from you.
Work-Life Balance
Academic, Career, Interpersonal
Maintaining a positive work-life balance is important for your productivity, happiness, and health. To help you manage the many demands of your work and life, Emory offers many resources, programs, and services.
Appeals of promotion and/or tenure decisions will be made in accordance with the requirements as described by the particular school, unit, or college’s procedures. In the case of an appeal of a decision made by the provost, the provost will establish an ad hoc committee that will include four current and former Tenure and Promotion Advisory Committee (TPAC) members who will advise the president. Clink the link below for more information.
The assignment of grades or evaluations of academic work are, with very few exceptions, the responsibility and authority of individual instructors. Therefore, concerns about grades should therefore be first addressed with the relevant instructor, if possible. Otherwise, each school maintains grade dispute policies as outlined in their relevant student handbooks. Individual departments also may have specific guidelines on grade disputes.
Academic Advising
Academic
Each school maintains its own resources for advising students who may be experiencing difficulties with academics or who need advising on academics-related matters. For undergraduates, you can learn more from the Office of Undergraduate Education. For all others, consult your school’s student handbook.
Emory maintains a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week resource for reporting potential ethical, legal, and/or business conduct violations in a timely manner. Examples of potential violations include theft, fraud, waste, or abuse; conflicts of interest; research-related concerns; violations of Emory’s code or standards of conduct; or other ethical, legal, and internal business compliance violations.
At Emory, codes of conduct set expectations for the ethical responsibilities of all students including honor and ethics, respect for and consideration of others, accountability to the law and other policies, and trustworthiness and honesty. Each school at Emory maintains its own policy and process to ensure compliance with its respective code of conduct. For undergraduates, that policy and procedures can be found at conduct.emory.edu. For other students, consult your school’s student handbook to learn the procedures for reporting alleged misconduct.
SCMIS’s non-clinical model of case management focuses on assessing needs, referring to services, coordinating care, and supporting all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The office also will submit a referral if you are interested in connecting with supportive services or referring a student you are concerned about.
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance’s Department of Title IX fulfills the university’s commitment to maintaining an environment free of unlawful harassment and ensuring Emory does not discriminate on the basis of sex within its educational programs and activities. It helps to ensure compliance with the law and university polices by receiving complaints, conducting investigations, and determining possible sanctions for noncompliance.
The Office of Respect works with key stakeholders to eradicate sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and intimate partner violence to create a safer, healthier campus where all students can learn, grow, and thrive. The office offers 24-hour support to Emory students impacted by interpersonal violence and helps students learn about their options and rights, assists with safety planning, provides legal and medical accompaniment, and/or offers academic assistance.
If students want to report an incident of bias, they may do so by filing a Bias Incident Report. This process "helps to ensure our community addresses issues that impact our ability to cultivate the trust and cultural humility that are essential components of community building and learning at Emory." Although submitting a Bias Incident Report does not necessarily trigger an investigation, an incident report may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Institutional Equity and Compliance (IEC) fulfills the university’s commitment to equity and fair treatment of all members of our community. It helps to ensure compliance with the law and university policies by receiving complaints, conducting investigations, and determining possible sanctions for noncompliance.
Emory University Student Health Services (EUSHS) provides outpatient care for enrolled Emory students with a valid Emory ID card. International students’ spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried children over 18 years of age are also eligible for primary medical care if they are currently enrolled in the Emory/Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan. Patients may access appointments through the Student Health Portal (enrolled students) or by calling 404.727.7551 and pressing 1. If you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the Emory Police at 404.727.6115.
404.727.7551
Department of Accessibility Services
Diversity, Accommodations, Academic, Career
The Department of Accessibility Services is committed to advancing an accessible and “barrier-free” environment for students, faculty, staff, patients, guests and visitors by ensuring that the principles of access, equity, inclusion and learning are realized in and by the Emory community. It helps individuals both understand and advocate for accommodations and access based on their individual needs. Complaints about discrimination based on abilities will be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
The Emory Police Department (EPD) strives to create a safe and inclusive campus for everyone. If you are in immediate danger or have been subjected to threats or violence, contact the EPD at 404.727.6111 or call 911. You can also contact the EPD to request an escort from a police officer, share a confidential tip, or obtain a SafeRide.
CAPS is available to all students and provides confidential guidance and support for those who need assistance regarding mental health–related issues. This office can connect you to resources for assessment and treatment of a wide range of mental health concerns. Non-urgent initial appointments can be scheduled Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. via phone at 404.727.7450 or online. Crisis appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. by walk-in or by calling 404.727.7450 to speak with a CAPS therapist. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the Emory Police at 404.727.6111.
The Honor Code (or Honor Council) governs alleged cases of academic misconduct including cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty. As with the various conduct codes that govern behaviors including dishonesty, each school maintains its own process for addressing alleged honor code violations. For undergraduates at Emory College, Oxford College, and Goizueta Business School, more information can be found at the Emory College Honor Council website. All students should consult their school or college student handbook for specific procedures.
Emory maintains a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week resource for reporting potential ethical, legal, and/or business conduct violations in a timely manner. Examples of potential violations include theft, fraud, waste, or abuse; conflicts of interest; research-related concerns; violations of Emory’s code or standards of conduct; or other ethical, legal, and internal business compliance violations. Reports will be investigated or referred to the appropriate resource at Emory for investigation and, if appropriate, formal resolution in accordance with Emory policies.
FSAP supports the personal and professional well-being of faculty, staff, physicians, leaders, and their family members through a variety of programs and services designed to promote emotional, behavioral, and occupational health. FSAP uses a holistic model of service that supports collaboration and promotes community. Offerings by FSAP include individual coaching, short-term counseling, self-assessments, and leadership consultations as well as workshops and referrals to community support groups. FSAP also offers services related to conflict management and resolution including mediation, facilitated discussion, and conflict coaching.
Every school at Emory has a local DEI committee focused on addressing structural and community concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While these committees typically do not conduct investigations or resolve individual issues, they are a good place to raise ongoing issues and provide institutional feedback that can help address structural issues in the long run. For more information, contact your school’s DEI officer.
The Employee Relations department promotes a positive and collaborative work environment by providing leadership and support to employees, supervisors, and leaders to adhere to the university’s policies and procedures. It seeks to address and resolve workplace issues through productive dialogue but also advises and counsels supervisors and employees at any point during performance management or progressive discipline processes. Diversity-related or Sexual Misconduct concerns may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance or Department of Title IX.
A confidential, independent, neutral, and informal office where you can receive guidance and support on where to bring your diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) concern, how to report possible wrongdoing, or how to address an issue directly through conversation, mediation, or other forms of advocacy. The Ombuds office offers conflict coaching as well.
The Office of Ethics and Compliance coordinates the efforts of individuals and units across the campus as they strive to comply with the myriad laws, regulations, policies, and ethical principles that govern the university. Operational compliance remains the responsibility of each school, department, or unit, but the Office of Ethics and Compliance serves as a resource for all units as they fulfill their responsibilities. The office offers compliance risk assessment, provides ethics training, promotes ethical culture, and serves as the university’s privacy office.
Belonging and Community Justice is an office in Campus Life focused on helping students “find the place where they belong and support them in making change in their communities.” Comprised of three offices, the Center for Women, the Office of LGBT Life, and the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement (RACE), Belong and Community Justice creates opportunities to learn, engage, and find community as it relates to race, gender, sexuality, and more. This office does not conduct investigations.
Student Affairs, sometimes called "Student Success" and typically to the Dean of Student Life for each school, focus on student engagement, academic success,and compliance with community standards. These offices create programming, provide resources (including advising), and typically manage student conduct, honor code, and grievance processes for their particular schools. Each school maintains a separate office and follows polices and procedures specific to that school. To locate your Student Affairs office, consult your student handbook.
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life supports the university's religious and philosophical diversity by providing opportunities to engage with spiritual life on campus through worship, meditation, education, service, social justice, and interfaith engagement.