A new, free online training titled Navigating Professional Boundaries: A Guide for Graduate Students and Postdocs has been introduced to help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars navigate challenging situations that may arise in academic and research settings. This optional training aims to clarify when requests from faculty or staff may be inappropriate or even illegal. Those who complete the course will be able to recognize their rights and protections and will be able to return to a list of resources and contacts as needed. 

The interactive Canvas course addresses several key areas, including how to:  

• Identify inappropriate requests and potential concerns when managing relationships with faculty, staff, and other researchers.  

• Differentiate between acceptable, unacceptable, and situation-dependent requests, offering clear examples of each type.  

• Understand the steps to take in response to issues that potentially cross professional boundaries, including having informal conversations, contacting a unit administrator, or pursuing a formal review.  

• Interpret the reporting process for situations requiring formal attention.  

• Access resources to manage difficult conversations, ensuring participants are informed about anti-retaliation measures and confidentiality policies.  

By offering clear guidance and practical tools, the training supports graduate students and postdocs in maintaining professionalism while protecting their personal and legal boundaries in academic settings.  

Who is it for?  

 This training is for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars engaged in research and instruction.  It can also be can also accessed by any Georgia Tech student and employee. 

How to Access:  

The training is available for self-enrollment at https://rise.articulate.com/share/pQexhtw5VppIfcwXDoH31pYeqF6ZEKzU#/ .