What We Do
The Team for Inclusive Lab Environments (TILE) strives to create an environment where trainees can thrive in their academic, scholarly, and research pursuits! We are faculty and staff committed to promoting respect, inclusivity, and effective collaboration within lab settings. We provide consultations, tools, resources, and trainee-centered support for the School of Medicine community.
TILE’s focus is on individualized early support and serves as a hub for the many resources available within the School of Medicine and Stanford University. TILE members care deeply about the experiences of our trainee community, are here to provide non-judgemental listening, and will partner with you to provide process, structure, and support.
Who can consult with TILE?
We are a trainee-centered resource serving MS & PhD graduate students and postdocs affiliated with the
SoM academic programs and
SoM departments.
We also consult with faculty and staff who have questions or concerns related to trainee experiences.
Are TILE conversations confidential?
In most cases, conversations with TILE are private and not shared with anyone outside of TILE without explicit permission from the person engaging us. Your information will always be handled with sensitivity and discretion, maintaining privacy on a need-to-know basis.
TILE members are not considered a legally confidential resource due to their status as mandated reporters. They have a duty to report to the appropriate university offices any disclosures of crime or prohibited sexual conduct (more details about reporting requirements can be found below).
What is TILE's Title VI & IX reporting requirement?
Our team includes faculty and staff who have obligations to report certain experiences. Specifically, this means we are required to share with the SHARE Title IX & Title VI Office any information we learn about a Stanford community member who may have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, gender discrimination, in addition to discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin, as well as any related retaliation.
These reporting requirements exist because the University takes these matters seriously. If you share information with us about any of these concerns, we will connect with the appropriate office so that trained staff can reach out and offer support, explain available options, and help ensure your safety and well-being.
If you prefer to speak with someone about issues that fall within the above categories who would not be obliged to report such conversations to the university, we can help you connect with
confidential support resources available on campus that are free of the mandated reporter obligation.
Why might someone come talk to TILE?
Students and postdocs are encouraged to bring questions or concerns to any TILE member for support. Some common themes to bring to TILE include:
- General questions impacting your training experience or life at Stanford
- Conflicts in lab, such as unclear expectations
- Academic concerns
- Informal advice from an alternate faculty viewpoint
- Concerns about appropriate treatment
- Help navigating available resources
Faculty and staff may consult with TILE around any trainee-centered needs. Some common themes to bring to TILE include:
- General questions about supporting graduate students and postdocs
- Support with setting expectations with trainees
- Support with giving feedback
- Concerns about trainee well-being
What can't TILE provide?
Please note that TILE is NOT:
- A confidential resource, and has a duty to report disclosures of crime or prohibited sexual conduct.
- An investigative entity and will not conduct any formal grievance processes.
- An emergency and/or 24/7 support resource.