Navigating the Employer/Employee Relationship
Consistent and proactive communication can prevent many issues in the workplace. Graduate Assistants should be sure they have a clear understanding of their position’s responsibilities and their supervisor’s expectations from the beginning of the position.
When you are faced with a conflict with your supervisor, it is important to address the situation quickly to prevent escalation. Having a conversation face-to-face is the ideal method to address conflicts as in-person communication can help to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations of tone or intent. Having one party provide all parties with a written summary of the conversation following an in-person meeting is a helpful way to ensure that documentation is maintained.
Students with questions or concerns about their work should begin by directing their questions to their direct supervisor in most cases. All attempts should be made to alleviate the conflict directly. Meet face-to-face with the supervisor to discuss your concerns instead of trying to communicate via email or telephone. Follow up with a written summary to ensure that you both have documentation of the conversation and are on the same page about next steps. If the situation is still not resolved, the graduate assistant can seek assistance from the director/chair of the unit in which they are employed. This meeting should also take place face-to face so that you can clearly explain your concerns and attempt to remedy the situation directly. Again, submitting a written summary for all parties following the verbal conversation is extremely helpful.
At any time while navigating the resolution of conflict, the Graduate Assistant can contact the Director of Graduate Education in the Graduate School for assistance.
If a student chooses, they may file a formal grievance. For a grievance related to employment, see Policy 4B5 Procedures Governing Student Employment Grievances and Appeals outlined under the Student Employment Policies. Note the required timeline that must be followed.
