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Graduate Student Affairs

1530 Rackham Building
915 E. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

Phone: (734) 647-7548
Fax: (734) 936-2848
E-mail: gradstudentlife@umich.edu

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Contact Us

Your graduate student experience is important to us. Please contact Graduate Student Affairs if we can answer any questions or to find out more about our services.

  • Darlene Ray-Johnson
    Director of Graduate Student Affairs
  • Regina Sims
    Administrative Assistant
  • Lynne Shivers
    Program Manager
  • Natalie Bartolacci
    Program Manager
  • Danielle Harms
    Program Coordinator

Graduate Student Affairs (GSA)

Graduate Student Affairs (GSA) strives to enhance the quality of graduate student life for Rackham students. Our aim is to promote an environment in which students can achieve their academic and personal goals. Our services are organized to provide innovative programs and activities, professional development, and social events that assist students in their transition and adjustment to graduate school. We provide positive interventions that offer student support and guidance in leading healthy lives and promote the academic and non-academic interests of students throughout the graduate and professional community. Also, GSA staff assists students with personal and academic matters affecting their academic progress and connects students to University resources.

Our Programs and Services

New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation, which includes a web orientation component, creates a welcoming environment for new graduate students and facilitates a connection to the larger community. Its objectives are to facilitate the socialization and integration process into the graduate community; provide an introduction to the expectations of graduate study, and connect students to campus resources.
Non-Academic Workshops
Non-academic workshops provide a variety of personal and professional skill development workshops that are designed to foster holistic student development, and recognize student needs in areas of intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, career and physical development.
Health and Wellness Initiative
Health and Wellness Initiative, an educational campaign designed to connect students to existing University resources, provides programs and services in support of graduate student's health and well-being.
Social Events
Social events facilitate cross-discipline student interactions and enhance the balance between students' academic and personal lives.
Events and Activities in Support of Underrepresented Student Groups
Events and activities in support of underrepresented student groups assist to create an inclusive campus community and provide support networks for diverse student groups.
Designated Resolution Officer (RO)
Designated Resolution Officer (RO) advises faculty, staff and students on matters related to student emergencies, crisis situations, disputes, and student conduct violations. The RO also provides information about Graduate School and University policies and procedures; makes referrals; and provides resources when appropriate.