Maitripa College Duty of Care Policy
1) Purpose
This policy outlines Maitripa College’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all who participate in the College’s Graduate School, Continuing Education, and Community Programs. It defines responsibilities and procedures aimed at mitigating risk, preventing harm, and supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in alignment with the mission and values of Maitripa College.
2) Scope of Practice and Limitations
Maitripa College recognizes that faculty, staff, volunteers, and visiting teachers—especially those serving in spiritual, contemplative, or pastoral roles—are often approached by students and participants experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges. While the College is committed to providing compassionate support, it is essential that all personnel operate within appropriate scope of practice boundaries.
2.1 Scope of the College’s Role
Maitripa College’s role includes:
- Providing educational, contemplative, and community programming grounded in Buddhist philosophy and practice.
- Offering compassionate listening, guidance related to coursework and spiritual development, and supportive learning environments.
- Identifying signs of distress and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
- Maintaining safe environments in classrooms, rituals, retreats, pilgrimages, and online spaces.
2.2 Limitations of the College’s Role
Maitripa College, its faculty, and its spiritual teachers do not:
- Provide psychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, or clinical treatment.
- Serve as crisis counselors or emergency responders.
- Offer medical or legal advice.
- Engage in long-term pastoral counseling that substitutes for clinical care.
- Assume responsibility for managing a participant’s ongoing mental health conditions.
2.3 Appropriate Responses to Mental Health Concerns
Faculty, staff, and teachers are expected to:
- Offer compassionate presence and attentive listening within professional boundaries.
- Avoid making promises of confidentiality when there is risk of harm.
- Refer individuals to appropriate external mental health or crisis resources.
- Notify Student Services or Academic Affairs when concerns arise about a student’s safety or ability to participate.
- Document and report any situations involving imminent risk, threats of harm, or significant disruption.
2.4 When to Refer Immediately
Immediate referral to external professional resources is required when an individual:
- Expresses suicidal ideation, intent, or plan
- Exhibits behavior indicating risk of harm to self or others
- Presents symptoms of acute psychological distress (e.g., hallucinations, severe disorientation, loss of functioning)
- Requests services or support beyond educational or spiritual guidance
- Requires assessment for accommodations or disability support
2.5 Online Teaching and Remote Contact
Instructors and staff must recognize that remote settings may make it harder to assess risk. In online environments:
- Faculty should redirect students to local emergency resources when needed.
- No faculty or staff should attempt to intervene directly in emergencies or manage crises online.
3) Principles
Maitripa College’s duty of care is grounded in:
- Safety and Non-Harm: Preventing physical, psychological, and spiritual harm.
- Compassionate Presence: Creating supportive learning environments rooted in respect and dignity.
- Ethical Conduct: Upholding the FPMT Ethical Policy, institutional Codes of Conduct, and applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws.
- Equitable Access: Supporting individuals through reasonable accommodations where feasible.
- Professional Boundaries: Maintaining appropriate teacher–student and staff–participant relationships.
4) Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Institutional Responsibilities
Maitripa College will:
- Maintain safe and accessible facilities, classrooms, and online systems.
- Provide training regarding duty of care expectations.
- Offer clear mechanisms for reporting concerns, grievances, or safety issues.
- Investigate and respond promptly to reports of potential harm or misconduct.
- Provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.
- Review this policy regularly and update it as needed.
4.2 Faculty, Staff, and Volunteer Responsibilities
All faculty, staff, contractors, and volunteers are expected to:
- Model ethical conduct and uphold professional boundaries.
- Cultivate inclusive and respectful learning environments.
- Remain aware of signs of student distress and elevate concerns appropriately.
- Report allegations or concerns involving harm, misconduct, or safety to designated administrators.
- Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is legally required or necessary for safety.
- Fulfill any legal obligations related to mandated reporting (e.g., when working with minors).
4.3 Student and Participant Responsibilities
Students and program participants are expected to:
- Treat peers, instructors, and staff with respect and dignity.
- Follow College policies, community guidelines, and safety instructions.
- Communicate concerns or needs in a timely manner.
- Avoid behavior that poses risk to themselves or others.
5) Safety and Well-Being Procedures
5.1 Physical Safety
- Regular review of facilities for accessibility, hazards, and emergency readiness.
- Clear protocols for accidents, medical emergencies, fire safety, and evacuation.
- Guidance for off-site activities, including retreats and pilgrimage.
5.2 Psychological and Emotional Well-Being
- Trauma-informed guidelines for contemplative practices, rituals, and teachings.
- Participants may opt out of practices at any time.
- Referral pathways to appropriate external mental health resources.
- Procedures for managing student distress or crisis situations.
5.3 Online Safety
- Expectations for respectful digital conduct.
- Moderation guidelines for online classes, Sangha spaces, and forums.
- Security measures to protect privacy and sensitive information.
6) Reporting and Response
6.1 Reporting Mechanisms
Reports may be made to:
- Student Services
- Academic Affairs
- The designated Ethics Officer
- The Title IX Coordinator (as applicable)
- Anonymous reporting mechanisms may be provided when feasible.
6.2 Response Procedures
Upon receiving a report:
- The College will conduct an initial review and risk assessment.
- Appropriate interim measures may be taken to ensure safety.
- Investigations will be conducted promptly and sensitively.
- Outcomes will be communicated within the limits of privacy laws.
- Restorative, protective, or disciplinary actions may follow, depending on findings.
7) Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Information related to reports will be handled on a need-to-know basis.
- Confidentiality may be limited when safety concerns or legal obligations require disclosure.
- Records will be stored securely and in accordance with institutional and legal requirements.
8) Training and Awareness
- Orientation for new faculty, staff, contractors, and volunteers will include duty of care components.
- Students and participants will be informed of key expectations at the start of each program.
- Annual refresher training will be provided for relevant personnel.
9) Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy will be reviewed biennially, or sooner if required by legal or accreditation changes. Feedback from students, faculty, staff, and community partners will inform improvements.
10) Related Policies
- FPMT Ethical Policy
- Codes of Conduct
- Student Handbook
- Grievance and Complaint Procedures
- Accessibility and Accommodations Policy
- Emergency Response Plan

