Couldn't reach dept admin to reject offer, so left VM. How to follow up?

[hejduk]

I called today to turn down an admissions offer, but couldn't get a hold of the dept program coordinator. I got a hold of his VM, and without thinking, I left him a message saying that I didn't accept their offer. The message was worded appropriately and thanked them for the campus visit, etc, but I still feel like I should folllow-up with a call to make sure they got it.

Should I follow-up with another call to make sure they got it, send an email, or what? Academia is such a small world, that I don't want to burn any potential bridges. The program brought me out for a visit last week, and the last thing I want them thinking is that I just wanted a "free vacation".

[borderlands]

I would send an email letting them know that you have accepted an offer elsewhere. You do not have to let them know where but sometimes they do ask, if they are unaware of where you have gotten accepted and/ or other schools you are considering. Thank them for their time and perhaps include reasons why you denied their offer, of course this is optional.

I sent a personal email to each faculty I met up with and included "I hope that this decision does not curtail any possibility of future research or collaboration." Most will understand particularly when it comes to declining decisions based on structural issues such as funding and other resources.

Edited April 11, 2011 by borderlands