A tenure track faculty member was appointed to mentor students and post-doctoral appointees, teach courses, conduct research and lead a lab. Post docs, graduate and undergraduate students were excited to work with the faculty member and relied on their faculty mentor to progress on their educational and career paths. The faculty member suffered a personal hardship that started to affect their focus and availability. The faculty member then stopped attending meetings, was absent from the lab, and unavailable via email. The lab website, which once served as a resource for those interested in collaborating with the faculty member and the lab, was also outdated.

During this time, students and post docs worked to continue the lab activities, causing some students to veer from their selected path, miss deadlines and others to step into roles beyond their capabilities. Without leadership, there was a lack of collaboration and individuals worked in silos on their individual work.

The department chair offered support to the faculty member and offered resources such as the Ombuds, PAS, and a faculty mentor. After the faculty member’s absence continued, students approached the chair with their concerns, and the chair again offered resources and support. As the absence and lack of mentoring continued, the students then contacted the Speak Up program. The Chair took early action to assist students with transfers to other labs and mentors to support progression within their programs.