Chain of command

[Next20]

Since receiving my acceptance into the PhD program I have attempted to contact the program director multiple times. I have emailed three times and called twice- in space of 2 months. I need to know about graduate assistantships and the correct course registration. The acceptance letter states that I need to contact the program director at my earliest availability. Since he has not responded at all, too whom should I reach out? I don't want to overstep but I need to figure out funding options and be sure I register in the order they want me to take the courses. Any thoughts? 

[Sigaba]

Welcome to the GradCafe

I recommend that you hold still on the reaching out for at least sixty days. COVID-19 has turned the Ivory Tower upside down, especially at public institutions.

During the interval, see what you can find about the institution's financial position and plans for the coming term. Can you find program guides / schedules of classes / other materials that may allow you to sketch out a plan of action in terms of your course work? Can you identify a handful of "must read" books and start reading them?

A second recommendation for immediate implementation is that you change your username to something that allows a very high degree of separation between any future posts you may make here and your personal professional self. Changing your username now is easier than having to remember not to vent when it is time to vent in the venting thread. 

[Uchuuko]

That's crazy that you haven't gotten a response by now. Perhaps you could try the associate graduate director, and then the graduate coordinator. 

Have you tried researching the department's webpage for funding opportunities, and even updates on how quickly they are able to respond to inquiries? 

Edited May 28, 2020 by Uchuuko
Just wanted to add a suggestion.