This past year, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Education introduced a new role, Assistant Director of Advocacy and Conflict Resolution, to directly support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. This role is designed to help them navigate difficult academic situations, particularly those involving their research advisors. The position is held by David Anderson, a professor of electrical and computer engineering with extensive experience both as a research advisor and as an advocate for graduate students.  

Anderson’s role is part of a larger program within the Office of the Provost on Conflict Resolution and Advocacy. Led by Dr. Kyla Ross. Conflict Resolution and Advocacy provides various resources for students, student organizations, faculty, or staff members including the following:   

• Consultation: Seek guidance on dispute resolution and Institute policies and procedures.  

• Mediation: Engage with a trained facilitator to informally resolve disputes between parties.  

• Training: Request a workshop on how to productively navigate conflicts and resolutions.  

• Coaching: Collaborate with a thought partner to advance your personal and professional goals.  

  If a graduate student or a postdoctoral scholar needs help with navigating challenges with their advisors or with their research or teaching positions, contact Dr. David Anderson.  

 For broader issues surrounding other types of conflicts, such as with courses or other campus services, see the Conflict Resolution & Advocacy resource page. This site also contains information for students to submit formal complaints or grievances. In most cases, the student should try to resolve the grievance first through dialogue with the faculty member or other individual. If that resolution is not possible, then the student may consult an administrator in their unit for assistance in solving the problem before deciding to submit a grievance.