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University Ombudsman
The University Ombudsman is an impartial party appointed to receive complaints, provide information, facilitate communication, and offer conflict resolution between students and members of the university community (students, faculty, staff and administrators). The Ombudsman is not an advocate and does not take sides in a dispute.
The role of the Ombudsman is to:
- Listen carefully to concerns and complaints
- Help analyze issue(s)
- Identify and explain relevant university policies and procedures
- Help identify options
- Investigate concern, talk with involved parties, and review pertinent documents and policies
- Mediate discussions between parties when appropriate
- Follow-up with complainants to ensure concerns are resolved
- Recommend changes in university policies or procedures if appropriate
- Prepare cases for the Student Fairness Committee
Who should seek help from the Ombudsman?
- Students seeking assistance communicating or negotiating with university faculty, staff and administrators
- Students who feel unsure which policies and procedures apply to their situation
- Students who want to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence
- Students seeking assistance presenting a case to the Student Fairness Committee
- Faculty, staff, and administrators who want to discuss a sensitive student issue in confidence
- Faculty, staff, and administrators with questions about university policies and procedures
The Ombudsman can only make referrals for the following items:
- Academic Advising
- Academic Integrity
- Discrimination
- Legal Advice
- Personal Counseling
- Physical / Racial / Sexual harassment
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