Duke Community Standards

Dear Incoming MEM Students,

I hope you are having a good summer. We are busy preparing for the fall semester and are excited to welcome you to the Duke and MEM community soon. I know that you are getting a variety of e-mails from us in preparation for the fall, and I am writing today to share important information about some specific expectations we have of each individual who is part of this special community.

Our core beliefs are outlined in Professionalism and the 5 Principles: https://memp.pratt.duke.edu/campus/professionalism-five-principles. These principles, developed by our faculty and then refined by our students, represent the behaviors we expect of our students and graduates. Additionally, Duke University’s Community Standard outlines our expectation for students to act honorably in all of their endeavors: https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/conduct/about-us/duke-community-standard. It is important to review and follow these expectations, which begin from the day you apply to Duke and last throughout your time at Duke. It is also important to note that these expectations exist on Duke’s campus, off Duke’s campus, and online.  We pride ourselves on reinforcing these behaviors because we believe upholding them helps make Duke a welcoming environment for all students to study, grow and thrive.

In today’s email I want to highlight a specific aspect of Duke’s expectations that is vital to the formation of a community of scholars where everyone feels safe and respected. Please be aware that Duke University prohibits sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating/relationship violence and retaliation for reporting inappropriate behavior. If you are unfamiliar with Duke’s expectations, please see the website https://oie.duke.edu/node/566/https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/conduct/about-us/duke-community-standard. Note that Duke’s prohibited behavior is broader than what may be viewed as criminal behavior.  For example, unwelcome conduct based on sex or gender that creates a hostile learning environment is sexual or gender-based misconduct. The consequences for the prohibited behaviors include expulsion, suspension, revocation of admission, disciplinary probation, recommended counseling, and/or other educational sanctions.

If you or someone you know has experienced inappropriate conduct, Duke offers the option to do one or both of the following:

  • Talk with confidential resources that can provide free counseling, information, and support. These resources include:
  • The Office of Gender Violence Prevention & Intervention (GPVI) in the Duke University Women’s Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  • Blue Devils Care
  • Student Health
  • Clergy from Religious Life
  • Student ombudsperson
  • Report the inappropriate behavior to a university representative. Please note that the resources below are not confidential resources.  These individuals are Responsible Employees and they are required to report your concerns to OIE.

You may report your concerns to:

You are welcome to report concerns anonymously to OIE.  Making a report does not mean the university will automatically launch an investigation in most situations. OIE is available to answer questions regarding the reporting process, which can be found here: https://oie.duke.edu/file/reporting-process-1056wpng

 

You may also file a report with Duke University Police (919-684-2444) or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

 

If you want additional information regarding resources, it may be found here: https://oie.duke.edu/node/566/#resources

 

This note covers topics that are very important to us. Our goal is to provide each of you with an environment that gives you the opportunity to learn and grow, and we appreciate your partnership in knowing and following Duke’s community expectations. If you have any questions about Duke or MEM policies regarding sexual harassment, standards of conduct, or other expectations for professional behavior, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

 

Best Regards,

Brad

 

Brad Fox, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Masters Programs

Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

3405A Fitzpatrick Center (101 Science Drive), Box 90271

Durham, NC 27708-0271

tel (919)660-5516

fax (919)668-2888

Master of Engineering Management Program (http://memp.pratt.duke.edu/)

Master of Engineering Program (http://meng.pratt.duke.edu)

Master of Science Programs (http://pratt.duke.edu/grad/masters)