Resolving Grievances and Conflicts

Rackham Graduate School offers graduate students and postdoctoral fellows formal and informal dispute resolution services, provides resources and referrals, and can offer alternative resolutions in consultation with other offices as appropriate. All can expect confidentiality in a safe environment.

CLaSP

• Faculty Diversity Ally

  • Each graduate program is asked to identify at least one faculty member who has shown a commitment to diversity issues and agrees to serve as a part of the Faculty Allies for Diversity in Graduate Education.

• Academic Advisor and Student Services Manager (Lindsay Coleman - colemali@umich.edu)

• Student Services Coordinator (Claire Miller - ccdewitt@umich.edu)

College of Engineering

• Expect Respect Program

  • Expect Respect is an educational initiative amongst students, faculty and staff aimed at supporting a campus climate in which all persons are treated with civility and respect while being their authentic selves. Expect Respect upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion and honors all voices.

• Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach (CEDO)

  • CEDO provides expertise, leadership, and programming that supports the CoE’s belief that an excellent educational experience is intrinsically linked to fostering a climate that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion for faculty, staff, and students. 

University of Michigan

• Resolution Officer for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows

  • The Rackham Resolution Office provides a safe and confidential environment to discuss concerns, and advises faculty, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and students on matters related to emergencies, crisis situations, disputes, and student conduct violations.  

• Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR)

  • The OSCR promotes a safe and scholarly community in which students navigate conflict in a peaceful, socially just, and self-reflexive manner. 

• Ombuds Office

  • The Office of the Ombuds at the University is a place where all students are welcome to come and talk in confidence about any campus issue, concern, problem, or dispute.

• Office of Institutional Equity

  • The Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) provides programs and services for faculty, staff, and students to support diversity, inclusiveness, equal access, equitable treatment, and cultural understanding and competency.

Other Resources

• Violations of the GSI Contract can be grieved by students through GEO. Common violations include asking a GSI to work too many hours or failure to provide the agreed upon pay and/or benefits to the GSI. Please address questions about the GEO grieving process to the CLaSP department steward or directly to the GEO Grievance Committee.