Current Student Resources

• Graduate Student Handbook
• Research Resources for Students

First Year Advising

• First Year Advising Calendar
• First Year Advising Guidelines

Departmental Emergency Funding

• Emergency Funding Request

International Student Resources

• Visa Renewal Verification Letter Request

Grievance Resolution Resources for Graduate Students

The Anthropology Department is committed to developing a community in which all of its members can thrive. It is committed to a bottom-up approach to collaboration and accountability. It supports a collective undertaking that works against racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of systemic oppression and violence. It is for mutual respect and mutual recognition. It is also for recognizing failure and seeking just outcomes.

As stated in the university’s Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities:

“Students at the University have the same rights and protections under the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Michigan as other citizens. These rights include freedom of expression, press, religion, and assembly. The University has a long tradition of student activism and values freedom of expression, which includes voicing unpopular views and dissent. As members of the University community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same right to others.

Students have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status, and as revised in the University of Michigan Nondiscrimination Policy. The University has a long-standing tradition of commitment to pluralistic education. Accordingly, the University, through this Statement, will not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected group status.

Students have the right to be protected from capricious decision-making by the University and to have access to University policies which affect them. The University has an enduring commitment to provide students with a balanced and fair system of dispute resolution.”

If a student in the Department of Anthropology feels their safety or well-being has been compromised, or if a student experiences a violation of their rights, there are various pathways possible both within and beyond the department to seek resolution to the problem or conflict.

A student might initially share the problem and seek resolution by discussing it with:

i.     their academic advisor, or

ii.    the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), or

iii.   the Associate Chair of the department, or

iv.   the Chair of the department.

If none of these options feels right, or if upon consultation with any of the above it is determined that additional support beyond the department is necessary, the student can seek a confidential appointment for impartial advice and guidance on a wide range of concerns with any of the following:

 v.         Rackham Resolution Office. You can request an appointment using this link, or attend weekly virtual office hours (check this calendar for details). You can also call (734) 936-1647 or email RackResolutionOfficer@umich.edu

vi.         Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) at (734) 936-6308 or oscr@umich.edu. One can also submit a “Request for Conflict Resolution Services” form online using this link. This office can assist with disputes involving other students or between a student and faculty/staff.

vii.         Office of the Ombuds at (734) 763-3545 or umstudentombuds@umich.edu. The Student Ombuds currently is Tom Lehker with nearly a decade of experience in the role to help students in addressing and mitigating any campus-related issues, concerns or disputes.

viii.         Campus Climate Support Team, Dean of Students, at (734) 615-2427 or you can report a complaint online via this link. This office exists to specifically address issues pertaining to lack of respect towards or harm experienced by members of the university community based on their identity.

For grievances that arise in the context of working as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), a student should contact:

ix.         Graduate Employee’s Organization (GEO) and submit a grievance using this link. For more information, please consult GEO’s Grievance and Arbitration Procedures

Finally, for cases involving harassment, assault or discrimination, please consult:

 x.         Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) at (734) 764-7771 or sapac@umich.edu. They also have a 24/7 Crisis Line at (734) 936-3333. SAPAC seeks to eradicate sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment, and intimate partner violence.

xi.         Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT) oversees, facilitates and supports the U-M’s efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment educational programs and activities and admissions. You can contact ECRT via this web form. 

Not sure who to contact? Check out this chart.

Our current international students have prepared some presentations with advice and resources for our incoming international students based on their experiences, which include what you may need or want to know before coming to the United States and starting your PhD in the University of Michigan Anthropology department!

Our international student group can be contacted at: misaa.board@umich.edu.

Find the presentations here:

Welcome to Michigan Anthropology!

The First Two Weeks