Anti-Bullying Initiative Update – June 2, 2026
Since our March 2026 update, we have moved from the planning phase to the implementation phase of the new dedicated University office.
In addition, the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee revised the definition of abusive conduct/bullying as a working standard for our implementation efforts which was adopted by the Provost.
Establishing AWARE
The Columbia University Alliance for Wellbeing, Accountability, & Respectful Engagement (AWARE) is designed to provide a centralized, transparent, and coordinated approach to preventing and addressing bullying and abusive conduct. AWARE focuses on concerns involving bullying and abusive conduct arising in workplace, supervisory, research, mentoring, training, and other professional University contexts.
AWARE will respect academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the legitimate exercise of supervisory, teaching, and mentoring responsibilities.
Graduated Response Model
All reports are submitted through Maxient, Columbia's centralized intake system. We are making some final tweaks to the Maxient portal. Until then, please continue to use the [email protected] email portal to report complaints.
AWARE uses a graduated response model designed to address concerns early, promote constructive resolution where possible, and support healthy working and learning environments.
Most concerns will begin with a resolution-focused process that emphasizes communication, support, education, and accountability. Follow-up to assess improvement ordinarily occurs within 30 days. When concerns cannot be resolved through these efforts, involve particularly serious conduct, or raise concerns about retaliation, AWARE may conduct a more structured review and work with relevant student/faculty facing deans or chairs to determine appropriate next steps to address the complaint, support affected individuals, and establish a follow-up plan. Leadership may determine which additional action is needed under University policy.
Supportive, operational, or interim measures may be considered at any stage of the process, as appropriate.
What does AWARE not address?
AWARE is not intended to address ordinary classroom matters, pedagogical disagreements, grading decisions, academic standards, or other issues that fall within established academic affairs and student-facing processes. Concerns falling under other established University processes will be referred to the appropriate office.
AWARE's primary purpose is to promote and ensure respectful engagement, accountability, and healthy working and learning environments for all community members. AWARE is not a disciplinary or adjudicative body and does not make findings of policy violations or disciplinary determinations.
Protections for Complainants and Respondents
AWARE is designed with protections for everyone involved. Retaliation is prohibited. AWARE works to protect the privacy of all parties to the extent reasonably possible. Referrals for mental health, psychosocial, and advisory support are available to both complainants and respondents at every stage.
Looking Ahead
We will share periodic updates as AWARE moves toward full operation before the start of the coming Fall term. We remain committed to building a University community where every member can work and learn with dignity and respect.