There are a number of venues within the University and College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Department of Geosciences through which students who experience difficulties can pursue the resolution of conflicts.
Normally the advisor should
be the first point of contact for graduate students who are having conflicts
with other students, instructors, or administrators. However, in some cases the
conflict is with the advisor, and the student may be uncomfortable reporting
the conflict to the Associate Head for Graduate Programs or the Department
Head. In such a circumstance, the student should communicate the problem to a
designated departmental Ombudsperson.
Two faculty members serve as
Ombudspersons, Dr. Susan Brantley (Dr.
Katherine Freeman) and Dr. Mark Patzkowsky (Dr. Peter Heaney) to enhance
communication between graduate students and their advisors. They act as
impartial parties to facilitate the timely and fair resolution of conflicts or
grievances. The ombudspersons will report unresolved conflicts and grievances
to the Associate Head for Graduate Programs, or if necessary, to the Department
Head or the appropriate administrative or legal office of the university. The
GPC and the Associate Head appoint the Ombudspersons, for a 2-year term, with
approval of the Department Head. The appointments should, if possible, normally
consist of one male and one female faculty member.
Penn State works hard to
ensure an environment in which students, faculty, and staff can learn and work
to fullest potential. Nothing is more antithetical to such an environment than
discrimination or harassment of any kind. The University has taken a strong
stand against all forms of discrimination.
Sexual harassment is a form
of discrimination based on sex, including sexual orientation. Harassment
impinges upon graduate students as teachers or as students when submission to
such conduct is a condition for grades or academic status; when submission to
or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions; and
when such conduct interferes unreasonably with an individual's work or academic
environment.
Anyone can be a victim of
sexual harassment. Most reported cases involve women harassed by men who are in
a position of power over them, either on the job or in the classroom. Some
particular examples include: students involved in close working academic
relationships that can develop into personal relationships; women in nontraditional
fields who may be perceived as entering an area where they do not belong; and
minority women who may be sexually harassed as a form of racism.
Further information can be
found in the University’s
policy AD-41 prohibiting sexual harassment. The Affirmative Action Office
has primary responsibility for resolving sexual harassment complaints. In
addition, the dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences has designated
Carol Vonada (505 Deike) to assist in resolving complaints of sexual harassment
from faculty, staff and students.
The Graduate School has put into place formal
procedures for the resolution of problems. These are available in Graduate
Bulletin Appendix II.