Graduate School

Graduate Student Resources

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Graduate Student Resources

It's okay to ask for help. At Brown, we care about the whole you and work with you to support your success.

If you are not sure where to go or are not sure what your question is, you can start with one of the deans in the Graduate School (for PhD and MFA students) or the School of Professional Studies (for master’s students).

Confidential

Resources marked “confidential” mean that the designated office or campus professionals can maintain the confidentiality of a complainant’s disclosures. They cannot reveal identifiable information shared by an individual to any other person without express permission of the individual, or as otherwise permitted or required by law.

Resources

Academic Progress and/or Milestones

Contact your Department/Division or Program, Director of Graduate Study (DGS), Advisors, or Chair.

Academic Concerns, Advocacy Help or Fellowships

PhD and MFA Students: The Graduate School's Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (Sarah Delaney) is the primary contact for academic concerns and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs (Will Wittles) is the primary contact for fellowships, but you can begin the conversation with any dean at the Graduate School. The Senior Associate Dean of Student Development (Vanessa Ryan) is an additional resource. See the Graduate School Deans & Staff page for contact details.

Master’s Students: The Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Innovation (Jennifer Nazareno) is the primary contact, but you can also reach out to any dean at the School of Professional Studies. See the School of Professional Studies Community page for contact details.

Academic Funding

PhD and MFA Students: Executive Dean of Administration and Finance (Ethan Bernstein) 

Master’s Students: See the School of Professional Studies Funding Opportunities webpage.

Diversity and Inclusion, Campus Climate, Mentoring or Avenues for Recourse

Contact the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion (Alycia Mosley Austin) or the Assistant Director of Graduate Academic Diversity (Maija Hallsmith) in the Graduate School or the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. 

Master’s students can also contact the Dean of the School of Professional Studies & Vice President for Academic Innovation (Shankar Prasad) in the School of Professional Studies. For experiences of bias, please consider the online Bias Incident Reporting Form.

Professional Development

Contact your Department/Division or Program, visit the Distinctive Opportunities webpage for campus-wide resources, or contact a dean.

PhD and MFA Students: Senior Associate Dean of Student Development (Vanessa Ryan), Assistant Director of Student Development (Byrd McDaniel), Assistant Director of Career Counseling for Graduate Students (Zhichun Lin)

Master’s Students: Associate Director of Career Services and Professional Development (Komal Shah) or Student Engagement Specialist (Morgan Orlandi)

Additional Resources

Making an appointment or seeking advice on mental health, physical health, or wellness.

Health Services Confidential resource
Make an appointment or speak with a nurse about a medical question or if you are uncertain if you need to see a provider (available 24/7) at 401-863-3953.
Access to services is included in the Health Services Fee

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Confidential resource
Appointments available Monday - Saturday. Call 401-863-3476 or walk in to the Health & Wellness Building during regular business hours to schedule an appointment. Madhuri Dugyala provides dedicated therapy services for graduate students on Mondays and Wednesdays on campus and on Wednesdays via Zoom. Students may schedule appointments with her by calling 401-863-3476.
Access to services is included in the Health Services Fee; dedicated hours (including Saturdays) for graduate students

HealthiestYou
Telehealth and telemental health care via the HealthiestYou app, 24/7 from any location. Download the HealthiestYou app and create an account.

BWell Health Promotion   Confidential resource
Make an appointment for a confidential consultation with BWell Health Promotion staff on a range of health issues, including with the SHARE (Sexual Harm Acute Response & Empowerment) Advocates or regarding alcohol or other drug use. Use the online form, email bwell@health.brown.edu, or call 401-863-2794.

Seeking Counsel or Support

Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life
Brown's multifaith team of professional chaplains care for community members of all spiritual identities and those who are not religious. 

Email chaplains for an appointment or visit Page-Robinson Hall, 4th Floor, during office hours. Send questions and requests for counsel, support, information, or prayer to ocrl@brown.edu or call 401-863-2344. 

Seeking Help for Sexual Violence or Abuse

SHARE Advocates Confidential resource
(Sexual Harm Acute Response & Empowerment)
Make an appointment using the online form, email bwell@health.brown.edu, or call 401-863-2794.

Sexual Assault Response line Confidential resource
Reach a licensed mental health counselor 24/7 at 401-863-6000.

Graduate School Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Contact Maria Suarez at maria_suarez@brown.edu, 401-863-1802, or through online self-scheduling.

Health or Wellness Resources or a Consultation

BWell Health Promotion Confidential resource
BWell supports the development of skills for lifelong, holistic health and wellbeing for all Brown students. Visit the BWell website or make an appointment for a confidential consultation through the online form, by emailing bwell@health.brown.edu, or by calling 401-863-2794.

Experiencing Food Insecurity and Seeking Assistance

Food and Related Resources for Graduate Students

Fitness and Recreation

Brown Recreation
Visit the Front desk at Nelson Fitness Center or call 401-863-5100.

Personal, Medical or Family Matter

Make an appointment with a dean to discuss concerns and academic implications. 

PhD and MFA students: Graduate School Associate Dean of Student Support (Maria Suarez)

Master's students: Dean of the School of Professional Studies & Vice President for Academic Innovation (Shankar Prasad)

For evening or weekend emergencies, call Public Safety at 401-863-3322 and ask to speak to the Administrator on Call.

Emergency Funding, Short-term Loan, or Food Insecurity

Apply for emergency funds or short-term loans through UFunds or meet with a dean.

PhD and MFA students: Graduate School Associate Dean of Student Support (Maria Suarez)

Master's students: Dean of the School of Professional Studies & Vice President for Academic Innovation (Shankar Prasad)

Issues Arising from Life at Brown

Ombuds Office Confidential resource
Have an off-the-record conversation to discuss an issue or request a facilitation, mediation, or training. Make an appointment at 401-863-6145 or ombuds@brown.edu.
Watch a video introduction to learn more.

Disability Services or Support for Accommodations, Medical Conditions or Temporary Injuries

Student Accessibility Services coordinates and facilitates services for students with medical, physical, psychological, and learning disabilities. Call 401-863-9588 or email SAS@brown.edu and mention that you are a graduate student.

Additional Resources

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

Reach out to one of the Graduate School deans (PhD and MFA students) or School of Professional Studies deans (master’s students) to start a conversation. Or see Who to Ask for additional questions and contacts.