These terms are often used interchangeably. Though the responsibilities of graduate coordinators vary among departments, they are generally responsible for overseeing graduate student recruitment, admissions, and petition oversight for a department. Graduate coordinators are responsible for knowing graduate student policies and information; they play a critical communication role between the department and the College of Graduate Studies. Graduate coordinators are a graduate student’s first point of contact should a graduate student have any questions. Graduate advisors for each program can be found here.

Graduate students will most likely be working with their Graduate Coordinator and GAPE evaluator as they progress through their graduate studies. Each program has a specific GAPE evaluator who works with graduate coordinators on the admission process for a given program, finalizes and approves certain petitions, reviews and approves candidacy forms, files culminating experience confirmations, and provides final graduation posting. GAPE provides services including graduation workshops.

Department Chairs are responsible for overseeing the operation of a department which is the fundamental academic unit within the university. They facilitate department scheduling, faculty hiring, curriculum and are effective conflict managers. Please seek a meeting with your department chair if you have any questions or concerns that cannot be resolved after speaking with your graduate advisor.

Colleges often have multiple associate deans who address various functions including student affairs, academic programs, faculty affairs, and research. In many cases associate deans serve as a point of communication between the dean’s office and department chairs and other units across the university. It is best to contact your college associate dean after you have first consulted with your graduate advisor and department chair. Students should contact their department or college to determine the appropriate associate dean to contact with questions. All associate deans report to their respective college deans. The College of Graduate Studies has two Associate Deans. Dr. Amy Leisenring serves as the Associate Dean for Inclusive Student Success, and Dr. Jeff Honda serves as the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. Either can assist you to address any concerns you may have at SJSU.

College deans have academic, programmatic, managerial, and fiscal duties for a college and their respective departments within the University. Deans are the academic leaders of their colleges and work with faculty and staff to coordinate the development and implementation of the college’s vision and University’s goals. Dr. Marc d’Alarcao serves as the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

The Ombudsperson is a university administrator dedicated to improving  communication among parties by providing tools and solutions to resolve conflicts, grievances, and complaints. Most cases can be effectively resolved through mediation or pursuing recommendations. Ombudsperson services are independent, confidential, neutral, and informal. Please click here to find out more information regarding the campus Ombudsperson.