{"id":2530,"date":"2026-01-27T22:28:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T22:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/?page_id=2530"},"modified":"2026-03-20T18:14:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:14:34","slug":"duty-of-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/duty-of-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Duty of Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h5>Purpose&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Scope of Practice and Limitations&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Principles&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Roles and Responsibilities&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Safety and Well-Being Procedures&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Reporting and Response&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Confidentiality and Data Protection&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Training and Awareness&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Review and Continuous Improvement&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;Related Policies<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h3>Purpose<\/h3>\n<p>This policy outlines Maitripa College\u2019s commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all who participate in the College\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h3>Scope of Practice and Limitations<\/h3>\n<p>Maitripa College recognizes that faculty, staff, volunteers, and visiting teachers\u2014especially those serving in spiritual, contemplative, or pastoral roles\u2014are 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 <strong>scope of practice<\/strong> boundaries.<\/p>\n<h4>Scope of the College\u2019s Role<\/h4>\n<p>Maitripa College\u2019s role includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Providing educational, contemplative, and community programming grounded in Buddhist philosophy and practice.<\/li>\n<li>Offering compassionate listening, guidance related to coursework and spiritual development, and supportive learning environments.<\/li>\n<li>Identifying signs of distress and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.<\/li>\n<li>Maintaining safe environments in classrooms, rituals, retreats, pilgrimages, and online spaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Limitations of the College\u2019s Role<\/h4>\n<p>Maitripa College, its faculty, and its spiritual teachers do not:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide psychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, or clinical treatment.<\/li>\n<li>Serve as crisis counselors or emergency responders.<\/li>\n<li>Offer medical or legal advice.<\/li>\n<li>Engage in long-term pastoral counseling that substitutes for clinical care.<\/li>\n<li>Assume responsibility for managing a participant\u2019s ongoing mental health conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Appropriate Responses to Mental Health Concerns<\/h4>\n<p>Faculty, staff, and teachers are expected to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Offer compassionate presence and attentive listening within professional boundaries.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid making promises of confidentiality when there is risk of harm.<\/li>\n<li>Refer individuals to appropriate external mental health or crisis resources.<\/li>\n<li>Notify Student Services or Academic Affairs when concerns arise about a student\u2019s safety or ability to participate.<\/li>\n<li>Document and report any situations involving imminent risk, threats of harm, or significant disruption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>When to Refer Immediately<\/h4>\n<p>Immediate referral to external professional resources is required when an individual:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Expresses suicidal ideation, intent, or plan<\/li>\n<li>Exhibits behavior indicating risk of harm to self or others<\/li>\n<li>Presents symptoms of acute psychological distress (e.g., hallucinations, severe disorientation, loss of functioning)<\/li>\n<li>Requests services or support beyond educational or spiritual guidance<\/li>\n<li>Requires assessment for accommodations or disability support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Online Teaching and Remote Contact<\/h4>\n<p>Instructors and staff must recognize that remote settings may make it harder to assess risk. In online environments:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Faculty should redirect students to local emergency resources when needed.<\/li>\n<li>No faculty or staff should attempt to intervene directly in emergencies or manage crises online.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h3>Principles<\/h3>\n<p>Maitripa College\u2019s duty of care is grounded in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Safety and Non-Harm<\/strong>: Preventing physical, psychological, and spiritual harm.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compassionate Presence<\/strong>: Creating supportive learning environments rooted in respect and dignity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ethical Conduct<\/strong>: Upholding the FPMT Ethical Policy, institutional Codes of Conduct, and applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Equitable Access<\/strong>: Supporting individuals through reasonable accommodations where feasible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional Boundaries<\/strong>: Maintaining appropriate teacher\u2013student and staff\u2013participant relationships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h3>Roles and Responsibilities<\/h3>\n<h4>Institutional Responsibilities<\/h4>\n<p>Maitripa College will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain safe and accessible facilities, classrooms, and online systems.<\/li>\n<li>Provide training regarding duty of care expectations.<\/li>\n<li>Offer clear mechanisms for reporting concerns, grievances, or safety issues.<\/li>\n<li>Investigate and respond promptly to reports of potential harm or misconduct.<\/li>\n<li>Provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.<\/li>\n<li>Review this policy regularly and update it as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Faculty, Staff, and Volunteer Responsibilities<\/h4>\n<p>All faculty, staff, contractors, and volunteers are expected to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Model ethical conduct and uphold professional boundaries.<\/li>\n<li>Cultivate inclusive and respectful learning environments.<\/li>\n<li>Remain aware of signs of student distress and elevate concerns appropriately.<\/li>\n<li>Report allegations or concerns involving harm, misconduct, or safety to designated administrators.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is legally required or necessary for safety.<\/li>\n<li>Fulfill any legal obligations related to mandated reporting (e.g., when working with minors).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Student and Participant Responsibilities<\/h4>\n<p>Students and program participants are expected to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Treat peers, instructors, and staff with respect and dignity.<\/li>\n<li>Follow College policies, community guidelines, and safety instructions.<\/li>\n<li>Communicate concerns or needs in a timely manner.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid behavior that poses risk to themselves or others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h3>Safety and Well-Being Procedures<\/h3>\n<h4>Physical Safety<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Regular review of facilities for accessibility, hazards, and emergency readiness.<\/li>\n<li>Clear protocols for accidents, medical emergencies, fire safety, and evacuation.<\/li>\n<li>Guidance for off-site activities, including retreats and pilgrimage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Psychological and Emotional Well-Being<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Trauma-informed guidelines for contemplative practices, rituals, and teachings.<\/li>\n<li>Participants may opt out of practices at any time.<\/li>\n<li>Referral pathways to appropriate external mental health resources.<\/li>\n<li>Procedures for managing student distress or crisis situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Online Safety<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Expectations for respectful digital conduct.<\/li>\n<li>Moderation guidelines for online classes, Sangha spaces, and forums.<\/li>\n<li>Security measures to protect privacy and sensitive information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h3>Reporting and Response<\/h3>\n<h4>Reporting Mechanisms<\/h4>\n<p>Reports may be made to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Student Services<\/li>\n<li>Academic Affairs<\/li>\n<li>Designated Protection People (see <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/safeguarding-students\/\"><em>Safeguarding Students<\/em><\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Anonymous reporting mechanisms may be provided when feasible.<\/p>\n<h4>Response Procedures<\/h4>\n<p>Upon receiving a report:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The College will conduct an initial review and risk assessment.<\/li>\n<li>Appropriate interim measures may be taken to ensure safety.<\/li>\n<li>Investigations will be conducted promptly and sensitively.<\/li>\n<li>Outcomes will be communicated within the limits of privacy laws.<\/li>\n<li>Restorative, protective, or disciplinary actions may follow, depending on findings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h3>Confidentiality and Data Protection<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Information related to reports will be handled on a need-to-know basis.<\/li>\n<li>Confidentiality may be limited when safety concerns or legal obligations require disclosure.<\/li>\n<li>Records will be stored securely and in accordance with institutional and legal requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h3>Training and Awareness<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Orientation for new faculty, staff, contractors, and volunteers will include duty of care components.<\/li>\n<li>Students and participants will be informed of key expectations at the start of each program.<\/li>\n<li>Annual refresher training will be provided for relevant personnel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h3>Review and Continuous Improvement<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><h3>Related Policies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>FPMT Ethical Policy<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/ethical-conduct-grievances-and-sanctions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Codes of Conduct<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/ethical-conduct-grievances-and-sanctions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grievance and Complaint Procedures<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/safeguarding-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safeguarding Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Accessibility and Accommodations Policy<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/safety-and-emergencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emergency Response Plan<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-color:#000000;--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-border-color:#000000;--awb-border-top:1px;--awb-border-style:solid;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><h6>College Catalog Policies<\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Main Page<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">General Information<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/faculty-and-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Faculty and Administration<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/academic-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Academic Programs<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/academic-regulations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Academic Regulations<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/application-and-admissions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Application and Admissions<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/general-policies-and-procedures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">General Policies and Procedures<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/student-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Student Services<\/a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/special-veterans-benefits-section\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Veterans Benefits<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/maitripa-college-catalog\/policies\/safety-and-emergencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safety and Emergencies<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":129,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2530","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2530"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2530\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2591,"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2530\/revisions\/2591"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maitripa.org\/registrar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}