Graduate Student Grievance Procedures

The CSE department has instituted a grievance procedure for graduate students for matters relating to graduate student and faculty relationships. If the parties in question cannot work through the issue themselves, then the following procedures can be followed:

  1. First point of contact is the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) Assistant, Georganne Tolaas. Set up a meeting with her to discuss the issue at hand. Traditionally, many issues can be resolved at this level. Students may also wish to consult with community representatives like the Computer Science Graduate Student Association (CSGSA) to discuss further options.
  2. If (1) does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the DGS Assistant or the student can initiate a meeting with the DGS, Jon Weissman, to further explore this issue and a possible resolution. For matters relating to TA issues, Professor Barry and/or the Center for Teaching and Learning is available for consultation.
  3. If (2) does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the DGS may recommend either a meeting with the department chair, Vipin Kumar, or a University resolution (4).
  4. University resolution options:

    The University Office for Conflict Resolution provides various services for faculty, TAs, RAs, and staff including anonymous consultation and mediation by a neutral third-party. Some aspects that they deal with include employment concerns such as expectations and workload in TA and RA relationships. For more information, please see their web site.

    The Student Conflict Resolution Center SCRC) provides a full range of services to students with campus-based complaints or concerns. An ombudsman helps students resolve problems informally. An advocate is also available to assist students in formal grievance or disciplinary hearings.

    SCRC can help students deal with university regulations and policies, or misunderstandings between students and instructors or administrators. Students may also have concerns about unfair treatment or may have been accused of a violation of the student conduct code.

Additional information can be found in the Graduate School's DGS Handbook.