The role of BEST is supportive and administrative. BEST members ensure student(s) who report their experiences of bias are heard throughout the process and understand available options.

BEST will validate students’ feelings and provide information to assist in the following ways:

• • Confidentially report concerns about behavior by a member of the University community;
  • Create a space for students to process their experiences and get support for their decision, even when their decision is not to proceed now;
  • Identify University resources for matters implicating the University’s policies on Civil Behavior in a University Setting and/or Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct;
  • Identify campus and community resources for education and other supportive services;
  • Coach students through difficult conversations and/or written correspondence;
  • Facilitate listening sessions and healing circles as the situation necessitates;
  • Provide educational workshops.

At times, staff and/or faculty may reach out to BEST for consultation on student issues. BEST may offer recommendations, though the process is always intended to be student driven. Our primary mission is to focus on students’ needs, particularly students with marginalized identities.

The scope of BEST does not include:

• • Acting as a disinterested third-party;
  • Giving legal advice;
  • Mediating any contractual disputes;
  • Providing services for issues or matters pertaining exclusively to staff or faculty;
  • Engaging in educational conversations that we don’t deem to be productive, based on assessment and consultation;
  • Acting in a role in lieu of appropriate University administrative response.