Community Life Policies

The following sections provide the policies and procedures related to conduct in the learning environment at HDS and at Harvard University. These policies speak to the complex contexts in which harm may occur, inside and outside of the classroom, and among the various roles within our community, namely, students, faculty, and staff. Perhaps the most parsimonious starting point is our HDS Statement of Community Values and the Harvard University Statement of Values. These statements convey the expectations for engagement that typify a healthy environment where members can flourish in their work and learning. We hope you familiarize yourself with these statements and join with the community in upholding our collective responsibility to maintain the high standards that they contain. 

When behavior occurs that interrupts a member’s ability to learn and work, the specific policies that follow will add definition and guidance, beyond what is held in our statements of values. The Harvard University Non-Discrimination Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, and Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy, and the HDS Procedures for Discrimination by Instructional Officers all provide guidance on the unique categories of harm and disruption. These policies are not meant to overwhelm, but to provide options and clarity during what might be a disorienting and complex experience. If you experience or witness behavior in the community that you believe violates our shared values, and/or any of these policies, there are professionals who can help you explore the options for support and response that exist. Whether a community member just wants to report behavior, seek resources for support, seek resolution, engage in the formal reporting process, or consult on any of these options, the following staff can provide guidance. 

Primary student resources for guidance on policies related to conduct and harm in the learning environment:

• Steph Grayson Gauchel
  Associate Dean for Student Services
  Resource for support and information related to concerns of inequity and discrimination
  Serves as an HDS Title IX Resource Coordinator (Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy), and Local Designated Resource (Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying policies)
  Swartz Hall G28, Cambridge, MA 02138  
  Telephone: 617.496.3091
  Email: sgauchel@hds.harvard.edu
• Melissa Wood Bartholomew
  Associate Dean for Community and Belonging and Lecturer on Community and Belonging
  Resource for support and interests related to pluralism, community and belonging, and restorative justice principles and practices
  Divinity Hall 107, Cambridge, MA 02138  
  Telephone: 617.998.2404
  Email: mbartholomew@hds.harvard.edu 
• Kelly Tyman
  Assistant Director for Student Support 
  Resource for holistic support and classroom accommodations
  Swartz Hall 107, Cambridge, MA 02138  
  Telephone: 617.496.3856
  Email: accessibility@hds.harvard.edu. 
• Katie Caponera
  Director of Student Life 
  Swartz Hall 109, Cambridge, MA 02138
  Telephone: 617.384.7571
  Email: studentlife@hds.harvard.edu  

Additional confidential student resources for guidance on policies related to conduct and harm in the learning environment:

• Kerry Maloney (Confidential) 
  Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life
  Swartz Hall 112, Cambridge, MA 02138 
  Telephone: 617.495.5778
  Email: kmaloney@hds.harvard.edu