Who to Contact for Questions
Many of your questions about how to meet expectations and thrive as a graduate student will be answered by the various sources of policies, procedures, requirements, resources, and norms in the links provided in this handbook. Several key positions in this department and on campus are ready to answer your remaining questions:
Department Advising
Graduate Program Manager – Dr. Erin McGowan
In the Department of Kinesiology, Dr. Erin McGowan serves as the Graduate Program Manager and is the point person for program policy and procedures. She is well versed in most elements of graduate education that extend beyond academic instruction in your program and will likely be your first stop for questions related to anything in this handbook.
Faculty Advisor
Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor in each graduate program in which they are enrolled. Your faculty advisor(s) will be a key source of guidance for your academic development. Further definition can be found here: policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1232. Guidelines for working with your advisor can be found in the Advising & Mentoring section.
The name and contact information of your faculty advisor can be found on your Student Center on MyUW (my.wisc.edu) under “Academic Progress” and then “Advisors.”
Department Leadership and Administration
Department Chair – Dr. Andrea Mason
The department chair is the administrative and academic head of a department, acting as a crucial link between the faculty, administration, and the broader university community.
Director of Graduate Studies – Dr. Karla Ausderau
Each graduate program has a faculty member who serves as the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The DGS provides academic leadership for the program, oversees its educational vision and structure, and chairs the Graduate Studies Committee.
Kinesiology Graduate Studies Committee
The Department of Kinesiology has a standing Graduate Studies Committee, composed of five graduate faculty members appointed by the Department Chair. This committee serves as a resource when formal input from multiple graduate faculty members is needed—whether initiated by a student, an advisor, or as required by department policy. Common matters reviewed by the committee include seminar waivers, transfer course approvals, and other academic petitions.
Department Administrator – Greg Dierks
Greg manages the department’s day-to-day operations and administrative functions. He is the primary contact for payroll and human resources.
Operations Manager – Lorenzo Contreras
Lorenzo oversees the physical spaces, equipment, and day-to-day facility maintenance, and safety procedures. He is the primary contact for operational needs in the Medical Sciences Center building.
IT Consultant – Kevin Tschopik
Kevin provides information technology support for the department, including hardware and software troubleshooting, system setup, and technical assistance for classrooms and research labs. He is the main contact for resolving IT issues.
Program Administrator – Rebecca Gray
Rebecca supports the department’s academic programs. She is the main contact for travel and meal reimbursement and can assist with room bookings.
Grants and Research Administration – Jeannine Nicolai-Heckmann
Jeannine supports faculty and research staff throughout the grant lifecycle. She is the primary contact for Marsh grants.
Undergraduate Administrator – Maddi Mara
Maddi supports the department’s academic programs. She is the primary contact for room bookings.
Graduate School Services
For general inquiries and graduate student services from the Graduate School, see the operations and front desk contact information on this contact page: grad.wisc.edu/contacts.