| Do you have a concern about your graduate education that you would like to share and, perhaps, make better?
The Graduate School offers two venues for you to gain assistance in resolving problems and conflicts.
- Since July 1, 2004, the Graduate School has offered an Ombudsman to assist graduate students, faculty, and staff. Associate Dean Tom Atkinson serves as the Ombudsman for the Graduate School. Dr. Atkinson regularly interacts with people, mostly graduate students, on a range of issues and concerns connected to graduate education.
- New in Fall 2009, the Graduate School is offering Peer Ombudsmen to assist graduate students. These Ombudsmen are trained graduate students that provide a peer's perspective to a student's concern. The Graduate School hopes to increase the access graduate students have to ombudsman resources through this new initiative.
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| Ombudsmen Staff (from left to right): Dean Tom Atkinson, Masaki Kakoi, Jeff Raker, Darla French, Joy Beckett |
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What is an Ombudsman? |
| The ombudsman is a neutral person that will listen, provide information, offer options, seek explanations, make referrals, and advise regarding rights and responsibilities. The ombudsman does not replace any current University service; ombudsmen regularly refer persons to another university office. |
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What concerns can I share with an Ombudsman? |
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Examples of concerns that have been brought by students include relationships with major professors, conditions associated with graduate staff appointments, and academic difficulties. However, the
ombudsmen can assist with any issue related to your graduate education. |
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What is a meeting with an Ombudsman like? |
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Most meetings are usually 30 to 60 minutes. The setting is confidential to the degree allowed by law, neutral, and informal. Occasionally, an ombudsman will invite a second listener with expertise in a particular area, like employment policies, to a follow-up meeting. |
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Who are the ombudsmen? |
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Dr. Tom Atkinson, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Ombudsman
- Mr. Jeff Raker, PhD Candidate in Chemistry, Peer Ombudsman Coordinator
- Ms. Darla French, PhD Candidate in Forestry and Natural Resources, Peer Ombudsman
- Mr. Masaki Kakoi, Doctoral Student in Aeronautics and Astronautics
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How do I schedule a meeting with an Ombudsman? |
- To schedule an appointment with a Peer Ombudsman, please click here.
- To schedule an appointment with Dr. Atkinson, please contact Joy Beckett at (765) 494-0245 or by email jbeckett@purdue.edu. Mrs. Beckett will arrange a time, almost always within one week, for you to meet with Dr. Atkinson.
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