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When Something Goes Wrong
Academic Problems
Sometimes things go wrong with your academic life (e.g. problems with your advisor or an instructor). If this happens, there are some resources available to help you get things back on track. If something is not right, do not hesitate to contact one (or more) of the following people. It is their job to help you out (and they are glad to do it), and the earlier you contact them the faster things can be resolved. If you're not sure which is the appropriate resource, then just guess. They'll point you in the right direction.
Purdue Physics Department Faculty Ombudsmen
- Prof. Daniela Bortoletto (Email: bortolet@purdue.edu, Tel: 494-5197, Rm 372)
- Prof. Sherwin Love (Email: loves@purdue.edu, Tel: 494-5747, Rm. 255)
What is the role of the ombudsmen?
"The ombudsman acts an an intermediary who investigates and attempts to resolve academic complaints and/or grievances initiated by individual students against faculty members in a manner which is off any official record." (Professor Sherwin Love)
What is the typical procedure followed when a student comes to an ombudsman with a problem?
"I discuss the nature of the problem with the student. In many circumstances, the origin of the problem is a breakdown in communication between the student and professor, and I can sometimes suggest ways in which the student can re-establish the lines of communication. In other cases, the faculty member against whom the complaint is being lodged can be contacted by either myself, the associate head, and/or the head, and a means of opening up the lines of communication and resolving any conflict can be indirectly suggested. In all cases, there is never any mention that a complaint has been lodged and the identity of the student is kept strictly confidential at all time." (Professor Sherwin Love)
Purdue Graduate School (Peer) Ombudsmen
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/peerombuds/
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.
What concerns can I share with an Ombudsman?
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.
Disabilities and Accommodations
If you have a disability-related problem (including discrimination or lack of reasonable accommodations and equipment), you should contact one of the groups below. If you're not sure which to contact, then start with the Disability Resource Center.
Disability Resource Center
http://www.purdue.edu/odos/drc/
Handles just about any disability-related issue (or will tell you who does).
Office of Institutional Equity
http://www.purdue.edu/ethics/oie/
Disability-related issues specific to your role as an employee (TA or RA) would probably be handled through this office.
Advisory Council on Disability Issues
Young Hall, (765) 494-1245
Stress/Emotional/Psychological Issues
Graduate school is a stressful time, and it takes a toll on everyone. This toll can range from being life-threatening to a simple loss of productivity. If you are having a rough time (for any reason), strongly consider talking to a professional (a good start is with CAPS).
Also keep in mind that we often rely on our friends when things are tough, and that often includes other graduate students, especially since many of us are far away from our usual support networks. Being in such a support role can be tough, particularly since you may not know how to help. The resources below can help you in that regard. Don't hesitate to call up CAPS (for example) and ask for advice on helping out a friend or schedule an appointment to vent your worries and frustrations. In addition to the counseling services, check out the links to online resources for dealing with friends who need your emotional and psychological support.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
This a service offered to all students, and is basically free. So do not hesitate to schedule an appointment, even if you're not 100% sure you need to. It's better to go and realize you didn't need to than to not go and realize you should have. Also, remember you can request a different counselor if the first one you see isn't working out for you.
Purdue Counseling and Guidance Center
http://www.edst.purdue.edu/counseling_psychology/PCGC.html
Another option for on-campus counseling services (also free).
Tips on How to Support a Friend in Need
http://www.wm.edu/offices/counselingcenter/students/sexualassault/index.php
http://www.purdue.edu/caps/pages/selfHelp/handouts/emotionalindividuals.pdf
CAPS Faculty and Staff Guide
https://www.purdue.edu/caps/pages/facultyGuide.shtml
If you are a TA, you should read this. It describes how to handle the situation if a student comes to you in need of psychological or emotional support.