Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services
We realize that challenges may arise during your time at the University of Michigan. The Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services (GSPCS) office is here to help. GSPCS provides a range of support services for graduate students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows. We offer a safe and confidential environment to discuss concerns and explore options for resolution. GSPCS advises students, faculty, staff and postdoctoral fellows on matters related to emergencies, crisis situations, academic misconduct, student progress, disputes, and student conduct violations.
Our Services
The primary services offered by GSPCS include:
Resolution Services
Graduate school is full of challenges, both academically and personally. Graduate students are often working to navigate studies, research, funding, and relationships with peers and advisors, often under pressure. Addressing your concern or sharing a need can feel like one more thing to do, and many students and staff can feel stuck as a result. Rackham is here to help you problem-solve. Please use this form to request a meeting.
Academic Integrity
Integrity in research and scholarship is a fundamental value of the University of Michigan. It is the responsibility of all students to conduct research and scholarly activities in an ethical manner at all times. Rackham students are responsible for understanding and observing the graduate school’s academic and professional integrity policy. Please use this form to report violations of academic and professional integrity.
Well-Being Advocate Program
The Well-Being Advocate Program encompasses the Graduate Student Mental Health and Well-Being Advocate Program, led by the Rackham Well-Being Advocate and consists of existing members of departments (students, faculty, and/or staff), who help connect graduate students and mentors with existing campus resources and as they enact changes within graduate programs. In conjunction with department leadership, the Well-Being Advocate develops programs and initiatives focused on creating climates and cultures in support of graduate student mental health. If your graduate program is interested in learning more about the Advocate program, please contact Rackham Well Being.
Faculty and Staff Consultations
Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services can also advise Faculty and staff about Rackham and university policies and procedures, make referrals, and offer resources when appropriate. Please use this form to request a meeting.
Direct Services for Students
GSPCS also provides direct services to students with personal/social, mental health, physical health, academic, behavioral, or other difficulties who would benefit from intervention and referrals to on- and off-campus resources and to ensure they receive appropriate interventions and support.
Emergency Funds
Consult with students facing financial hardship and address questions regarding Rackham emergency fund eligibility.
Leave of Absence
Help students decide if a leave of absence is right for their personal circumstances, discuss implications of taking a leave, and identify considerations when returning from a leave of absence. For questions or concerns about leaves of absence, please contact [email protected]
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Launched during the winter 2024 term, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) serves as a hub to support postdoctoral fellows across the university. For questions or concerns about conflict resolution involving postdocs, please contact the office directly.
Parental Accommodation
Assist students with reduced academic expectations and time to degree extensions for students who become parents.
Transitional Support for Change of Advisors
Provide support for a change in a doctoral student’s dissertation advisor due to a variety of factors.
Year Round Services
Assist Ph.D. students with accessing university services during spring/summer terms when students may not be registered for classes.
Who We Are
Mallory Martin-Ferguson
- Director
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734.763.4728
Jamyia Barrett
- Conflict Resolution and Academic Relations Specialist
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734.647.6289
Joel Devonshire
- Leave of Absence Coordinator
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734.647.1381
Kelley Rivenburgh
- Student Affairs Program Specialist
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
Elizabeth Rohr
- Well-Being Advocate
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734.615.3667
Amy Smola
- Administrative Assistant
- MCommunity Profile
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 734.647.9781
Meet With Us
Request a Meeting
To request a meeting with a Consultation Services staff member, please fill out our intake form. Persons submitting this form may self-identify or remain anonymous. If you self-identify, you will receive a response. Anonymous reporting, however, will limit the university’s ability to respond and support. The information will be treated confidentially.
How was your experience? Let us know!
Open Office Hours
If you have a quick question or a time sensitive matter, you can attend the Consultation Services open office hours weekly during the academic year on Monday and Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. In the interest of providing students as much privacy as possible, you may spend a brief time in a waiting room if the resolution officer is engaged with another student. They will be with you as quickly as possible.
Monday and Wednesday during the academic year from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Dispute Resolution Policy
Rackham’s Academic Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures are available to Rackham students who have a dispute or disagreement with faculty, staff, or program about the equity and fairness of decisions or procedures that affect their academic standing and progress toward the degree. Such issues may arise regarding fair and equal treatment in the conduct of a class, in the grading or evaluation of academic work or unfair treatment in research. Other issues may concern the equity and fairness of program, department or Rackham policies.
Academic dispute resolution is a means for resolving disputes and achieving a workable outcome for all parties, within the integrity policies of the University.
The Rackham Resolution Officer, Mallory Martin-Ferguson, is responsible for managing this policy and may be reached at [email protected].
Contact Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services
0540 Rackham Building
915 E. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 734.764.4400
Fax: 734.615.3832
Hours
Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Zoom Virtual Office Hours are Monday and Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters. Check the Calendar.
The office is closed Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving (Thursday and the following Friday), Christmas through New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day.