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Graduate studies can be exhilarating, challengingÌýand, at times, overwhelming. It is rarely mistaken as being an "easy" route by anyone's measure, and if you find you have entered a particularly difficult time period, know that you are not alone.

Conflict Resolution and Student Support

• Ombuds Office – AÌýconfidential placeÌýto surface, voice,Ìýclarify and discuss university-related issues. CanÌýhelp graduate studentsÌýidentify options to resolve disputes, to determine a course of action and to aid in the informal resolution of conflicts and concerns.
• Student Outreach, Advocacy and SupportÌý- A team which canÌýconnectÌýstudents with resources & support on multiple fronts.
• Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution – This office can helpÌýmanage & resolve conflicts, including with other students.
• Student Legal Services - Services to help students resolve or minimize their legal situations.

Graduate Student Academic Concerns

Whenever possible, graduate students should seek informal resolution of academic issues and concerns directly with their faculty advisor, committee, or other involved individuals.ÌýIf this is not feasible or the graduate student is unsatisfied with the outcome they should speak to their program’s Director of Graduate Studies (also commonly referred to as the Associate Chair). Graduate director’s responsibilities include ensuring fair and equitable treatment of graduate students. The graduate director will advocate on behalf of the student with the faculty advisor or others if appropriate.

If the issue is not resolved through informal avenues, a student may contact the Graduate SchoolÌýat graduate.school@colorado.edu to discuss further options.ÌýStudents may choose to file a formalÌýgrievanceÌýwith their graduate program. If the student is dissatisfied with theÌýprogram level grievance decision, then the student may subsequently submit aÌýformal grievance appeal to the Graduate School.

A number of matters do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School grievance process and procedure and have their own avenues for resolution.ÌýThese include:grade appeals/academic decisions, allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination or harassment or retaliation, allegations of research misconduct, allegations of unprofessional faculty conduct, and issues of student conduct. Additional information can be found in section II.D of the Graduate School’s grievance process and procedures.

Graduate Student Appointment Conflicts

If a student has concerns about appointment duties, time commitment, compensation, etc., these should first be addressed to the employment supervisor. If that is not feasible, or the graduate student is unsatisfied with the outcome they should speak to the employing department’s Director of Graduate Studies (also commonly referred to as the Associate Chair). Graduate director’s responsibilities include ensuring fair and equitable treatment of graduate students and adjudicating any inconsistences between the employment contract (e.g., employment offer letter) and actual scope of work. The graduate director will advocate on behalf of the student with the employment supervisor or other faculty if appropriate.

After working with the graduate director, if the student still feels that they have not obtained a successful resolution they may contact the Graduate School at graduate.fundadmin@colorado.eduÌýto discuss further options.Ìý

If the issue is not resolved through informal avenues, a student may choose to file a formal grievance with their employi