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Dear Graduate Students,
Welcome to Stony Brook University, home to a beautiful campus right on the north shore of Long Island. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of who may not know me, and more importantly, may not be familiar with the role of the Graduate Student Advocate (GSA) and how I can assist you throughout your time here at Stony Brook.
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WHAT THE ADVOCATE DOES |
Similar to the Ombuds Office, the GSA exists to help you resolve problems you may encounter throughout your academic career. In many situations, you may simply need more information or help finding and contacting the appropriate people within the University. Since navigating such a large University can at times be tedious, this office was created in order to assist in addressing the needs and issues graduate students face while enrolled at Stony Brook.
When faced with a conflict or issue it is always best to start locally. Talking first to your advisor, graduate secretary or support staff, graduate program director, or department chair can often remedy the situation. Also, in most cases they will be in the best position to handle your problem, quickly and efficiently, especially since they are most familiar with your specific field. When this is not possible or if you are unsure of how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Typical kinds of problems in the past have included: conflicts with faculty advisors, health insurance problems, housing problems, cases of discrimination, questions of academic standing, and problems with funding or other work-related issues. Note that the latter, with the exception of matters affecting Research Assistants, are always the jurisdiction of the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU), and not matters which I am capable of handling. In cases where the pattern is more serious or for students who wish to work with an independent professional conflict management specialist, the GSA may refer a case to the Ombuds office. If you are not certain about this, feel free to check with me.
Lastly, please take notice and inform me of your thoughts on the quality of life here at Stony Brook and how it can be improved. It may be something as small as improving the bus schedule, but making the most ideal environment for graduate students is important to the university and by having everyone involved the campus community only becomes stronger.
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HOW THE (GSA) CAN ASSIST GRADUATE STUDENTS |
* Explain university policies and procedures
* Advise on the best course of action and help in pursuing them
* Refer you to the person best able to address your concern and arrange a meeting with you
* If necessary, intercede on your behalf or mediate for you if appropriate
* Recommend specific changes to the university so that problem areas can be corrected for the future
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CONTACT INFORMATION |
The Graduate School
Computer Science Building 2401 (up the stairs at the main entrance and to the right)
Hours:
Mondays: 1-4
Tuesdays: 10-2
Wednesdays: 1-4
Friday: 10-2
Phone - 631.632.1947
Email: ddiianni@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Email is generally the quickest way to reach me. Also, you can either make an appointment or stop by. Appointment is preferred but not necessary.
Looking forward to assisting you.
Sincerely,
Dante Lorenzo DiIanni
Other Advocacy Links:
Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Homepage
Campus Community Advocate Homepage
Disabled Student Services Homepage
