Opening BBN Minds
White River Junction, VT 05001
daniel
Report Card
This page is to report progress on pledges made by the BBN Administration in October, 2008.
Below is an analysis of progress to date followed by the pledges made by the school.
Although the school has created a process to help survivors, the Administration has not implemented the changes that would prevent a similar situation from occurring or assist the school in dealing with one if it did happen.
Of the five pledges made, the school has only addressed one; the others appear to have received token acknowledgement.
1. Addressing injury related to Washburn
October 2008
The School hired a counselor who will assist people suffering emotional damage. The counselor provides assistance with finding a mental health counselor, psychiatric assistance and reimbursement for medicines/medications. Bills are submitted to the counselor, reviewed by the Head of School and either paid directly to the provider or reimbursed. See the Assistance page for details.
Weaknesses in the process include the lack of anonymity and a slow response (6-8 weeks) time for reimbursement.
Spring 2009
The School's consultant indicated that improvements would be made. For more information on how to improve the process, please contact Opening BBN Minds or the Head of School.
August 2009
The School has changed the process, after numerous requests. Reimbursements are now handled by the consulting psychiatrist, providing better confidentiality for anyone requesting assistance.
2. Faculty advice on internal changes
December 2008The Head of School reportedly named three faculty to the committee.
April 2009
In April 2009, the Head reported that the committee has met with her once.
As of December 2009
The committee has not communicated any results to the community.
3. Student Council recommendations
As of April 2009
The students met once with the Head and the Dean.
December 2009
The school has not mentioned further meetings.
4. Third-party provider confidential hot line
As of December 2009
The school has not implemented a hotline.5. Cross-disciplinary symposium / Other
As of December 2009
No cross-disciplinary symposium has been announced.
Head of School's Letter, October 10, 2008
October 10, 2008
"I plan on tasking a group of faculty—including current faculty as well as faculty from the Washburn era—to advise me on specific changes that can be made internally to ensure optimal communication and openness between faculty and administration in reporting and responding to potential abuse.
I am going to reach out to the Student Council and task them with recommendations for improving and enhancing communication channels between students, their advisors, and the administration.
I am going to enlist the assistance of a third-party provider to create a confidential hotline for any member of our community who wishes to report a case of abuse or neglect.
I am also considering a symposium across numerous disciplines to carefully explore other steps that might be appropriate to help our community."
Excerpted from the letter by the Head of School
More Information
If you have concerns about the progress, you may contact the Head of School at rebecca_upham@bbns.org
Opening BBN Minds
White River Junction, VT 05001
daniel
