Resolving Concerns: Where to start
When a concern or conflict arises, GSBS students are expected to follow the following pathway in sequence to resolve issues at the most appropriate level and as efficiently as possible.
Step 1 — Talk to your advisor or the person involved. Most concerns are resolved through direct, professional communication. This should always be the first step.
Step 2 — Contact your Program Director and Advisory Committee. If direct communication does not resolve the issue, your Program Director and Advisory Committee are the next appropriate resource for academic and research-related concerns.
Step 3 — Contact the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic Affairs handles matters related to degree progress, milestone requirements, graduation requirements, waivers, and academic policy. Contact: [email protected] or 713-500-9850.
Step 4 — Contact the Ombuds Office. For interpersonal conflicts, advisor disputes, or concerns you are not comfortable raising through formal channels, both MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston maintain confidential Ombuds offices. The Ombuds does not take sides and does not report to institutional leadership. This is the appropriate channel before any formal escalation.
Step 5 — Submit a formal report. If the steps above have not resolved your concern, you may submit a formal report through the GSBS Incident Reporting System, HR, or the compliance office, depending on the nature of the issue. See the table below for contacts.
GSBS is committed to ensuring every student has access to the right support at the right time. If you are unsure where to start, contact Academic Affairs at [email protected] and we will help direct you.
Emergency Services
UT Police at Houston
If you have an emergency or need to report an imminent threat requiring police response, dial 911.
For non-emergency calls, contact 713-792-2890
Request a courtesy escort to your vehicle by calling 713-792-2890
Download the latest Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Report) from the University of Texas Police at Houston here.
Student Counseling Services
Emergency Crisis Line: 713-500-4688 (IMUT). Available 24 hours a day
- Confidential counseling and mental health care
- Covered by student services fee
Detailed information on student health and well-being is located on the Student Wellness page.
Non-Emergency Services
| Resource | Purpose | Hours | Contacts | Anonymous (Yes/No) | |
| Institutional Compliance | Compliance Offices | To report institutional compliance issues. | 8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
Optional |
| Human Resources | UTHealth Houston HR and MD Anderson HR | To speak with staff about work related issues, including discrimination/harassment, work environment issues. | 8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
No |
| GSBS Incident Reporting System | To anonymously report any form of behavior or misconduct that negatively affects the student's experience. | 24 hours |
844-222-1403 |
Yes | |
| Talk2GSBS | GSBS Dean's Office | To report to GSBS any issues or problems. | 8am-5pm | [email protected] | No |
| HOURS | PHONE | ONLINE | IN PERSON | |
| Title IX Office | 8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
UTHealth Houston [email protected] MD Anderson |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
| Compliance Hotline | 24 hours |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
UTHealth Houston Web report (anonymous option available) MD Anderson |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
| The University of Texas Police - Houston | 24 hours |
713-792-STOP |
UT Police |
7777 Knight Road |
| Resource | Purpose | Hours | Contacts | Anonymous (Yes/No) | |
| Employee Assistance Program | Employee Assistance |
Counseling – assessment and referral |
8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
Yes |
| Ombuds | Ombuds Office | To discuss issues of concern, including interpersonal conflict or misunderstandings and academic or administrative concerns. | 8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
Yes |
| Student counseling services | Student counseling | If you are experiencing problems such as homesickness, school-related stress, trouble regulating sleeping or eating habits, conflicts with peers or family, or more severe mental health issues, many students find they benefit from a visit to the Student Counseling Center. | 8am-5pm |
UTHealth Houston MD Anderson |
Yes |
The GSBS requires that all GSBS students report any information they receive regarding incidents of sexual misconduct to one of the Title IX offices listed above. *
These employees are also required to report the incident to the Title IX offices, but they are considered confidential employees and they do not have to report names of individuals, only the type of incidence. Please seek out these offices for help and guidance if you wish to keep information confidential or are unsure whether to do so. Their contact information is listed above.
* Please note that reporting may also be required by law.
If you would like to report an act of discrimination or harassment at your parent institution, please contact:
- UTHealth Houston Office of University Relations & Equal Opportunity - www.uth.edu/hr/department/equal-opportunity/index.htm
- MD Anderson Equal Opportunity Office: Sheri Wakefield, [email protected], 713-745-6174