The goal of the Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Graduate Student Ombuds Program is to provide graduate students with a neutral, third-party to assist with conflict resolution and solutions-oriented support. The ombuds program provides an alternative to the formal grievances and complaint process. It emphasizes non-adversarial problem-solving options, rather than formal, rights-based options.
The program is comprised of graduate faculty volunteers serving as ombuds in their own departments. Ombudspersons should be nominated by the Associate Head and approved by the Department Head, rather than elected by departmental vote. Each department has at least one graduate student ombuds, two are recommended. Graduate students within EMS can choose to meet with any ombudsperson across the College.
Energy and Mineral Engineering:
- Luis Ayala, Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
- Derek Elsworth, Professor of Energy and Geo-Environmental Engineering
Geography:
- Jennifer Baka, Assistant Professor of Geography
Geosciences:
- Sridhar Anandakrishnan, Professor of Geosciences
Materials Science and Engineering:
- Tze-Chiang (Mike) Chung, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering
- Venkatraman Gopalan, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Meteorology and Atmospheric Science:
- Jerry Harrington, Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science
- Sukyoung Lee, Professor of Meteorology
If you would like to utilize an ombuds program outside of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, there is a separate Graduate Student Ombudsperson Program.
About the Ombudsperson
Ombudspersons provide a safe environment for graduate students to discuss issues and concerns. Examples of issues that may affect graduate students include conflict with advisors, department chairs, students from a class in which they serve as TA, as well as conflicts with other graduate students, staff, or faculty members. Ombudspersons assist students in analyzing their situation, understanding relevant university policies, providing information and advice, exploring possible solutions, informally mediating a dispute where appropriate, making referrals to formal channels. Ombudspersons do not formally advocate for the student or any individual point of view, but instead work to promote a fair process for all. They can recommend changes in policies and procedures but cannot overturn decisions made by university officials. Ombudspersons do not keep formal records, perform formal investigations, or provide legal advice.
Ombudspersons are committed to…
Confidentiality. The Ombudsperson will not identify you or pass on your confidences to anyone without your permission, except when there appears to be imminent threat of serious harm. Ombudspersons keep no official records of visitors’ names, affiliations, or concerns.
Neutrality. The Ombudsperson does not take sides, but considers the interests and concerns of all involved parties, with no personal stake in the outcome of any situation. They do not judge, discipline, or reward anyone.
Independence. The ombudsperson is independent of other University entities. They do not hold other positions or have administrative authority over graduate students that might compromise independence. The Ombudsperson is authorized to work with all members of the University community to resolve problems.
Additional Resources
Associate Department Heads for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Visit your Department’s website
Academic Advising
- Website: advising.psu.edu/advising-centers
Directorate of International Student & Scholar Advising (DISSA)
- Support for international students
- Advice on visas and immigration issues
- Phone: 814-865-6348 ext. 0
- Location: 410 Boucke Building
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Provides education, information, outreach, and advocacy services on sexual and gender diversity
- Phone: 814-863-1248
- Location: LL011 HUB-Robeson Center
- Email: lgbtqa@psu.edu
Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)
- Provides support and educational services for domestic multicultural students
- Phone: 814-865-1773
- Location: 220 Grange Building
Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC)
- Programs and services for all students related to racial and cultural identity
- Phone: 814-865-3776
- Location: 21 HUB-Robeson Center
Residence Life
- 24/7 support regarding on-campus living
- Phone: 814-863-1710 (from 8-5; police after hours)
- Location: 201 Johnston Commons or area office
Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response (OSMPR)
- Report sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct (e.g., sexual assault, exploitation, stalking, dating/domestic violence)
- Investigates concerns; provides resources, support, and accommodations
- Phone: 814-8670099
- Location: 222 Boucke Building
- Website: titleix.psu.edu
Student Disability Resources
- Provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities
- Phone: 814-863-1807
- Location: 116 Boucke Building
Health Promotion and Wellness
- Services for a range of health issues, including nutrition, substance use (alcohol, marijuana, & nicotine), sexual health, sleep, & stress
- Programming for yoga & meditation, overall well-being, resilience, stress, sleep, and sexual health in addition to other health topics
- Phone: 814-863-0461
- Location: 001P Intramural (IM) Building
- Websitestudentaffairs.psu.edu/health-promotion
University Health Services
- 24/7 Advice Nurse
- Phone: 814-863-4463
- Location: Student Health Center Building
Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development (CSED)
- Programs, advocacy, and services for students of all religious and spiritual identities
- Phone: 814-865-6548
- Location: 111 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
- Email: spiritual@psu.edu
- Website: studentaffairs.psu.edu/spiritual
You@PSU
- Personalized web portal connecting you to online tools and campus resources to support your goals to succeed, thrive, and matter
- Create a confidential profile at you.psu.edu to make the most out of your college experience.