Feeling stressed? We’re here to help

archREFS (Resources for Easing Friction and Stress) is a group of graduate students trained in conflict management and mediation, here to support the architecture community of undergrads, MArchs, SMArchS, SMBTs, SMACTs, and PhDs.

Whether you feel:

• Stressed out by academics or finances 

• Frustrated by an interaction with your instructor, advisor or colleague

• Annoyed by your roommate, friend, or groupmate 

• Confused by the strange culture you just found yourself in 

• Just need someone to talk or vent to 

Our main role is to listen without judgement, provide a sounding board as you think about possible resolutions, connect you with other helpful resources, and help you deal with stress and conflict, however big or small. And we do so with confidentiality and anonymity, meaning we will not share any information nor take any action about the conversation you have with us without your explicit consent, except in the unusual situation of imminent risk of harm to self or others. 

We also act as advocates for architecture students by raising department-wide issues and concerns during our regular meetings with the department head and faculty advisor. In that meeting, we get a chance to share some non-specific information about general trends the community is reaching out about, giving the department a unique insight into the experiences of the student body.

To set up a one-on-one confidential meeting email one of us directly or reach out to archREFS@mit.edu. We will work with you to find a convenient time and a comfortable place (distantly or virtually) to chat. You can also sign up with this form: https://forms.gle/Fh1dPk7xFd8iekW86