How We Can Help

 

The Ombuds office may be able to help you, if you need assistance with…

  • Problems with advisors
  • Disciplinary matters
  • Course conflicts
  • Grading conflicts
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Disputes about fees
  • Campus housing issues

Visiting the Ombuds office:

  • Have established processes and procedures failed?
  • Did you receive an explanation for the decision made?
  • Is the decision-making process stalled?
  • Are you not sure where to even start?

The role of the University Ombuds:

  • Works to solve problems as a neutral party
  • Works to allay frustration
  • Provide advice/guidance to those who requested it
  • Cannot change, set aside or supersede existing rules and regulations
  • May recommend policy or procedure changes
  • Listens carefully and enables examination of complicated situations
  • Coaching on effective conflict management or asking/responding to difficult questions
  • Shuttle diplomacy or serving as a go-between to resolve problems

The Ombuds can:

  • Listen to your concern
  • Clarify university policy
  • Answer questions concerning appropriate channels
  • Assist with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
  • Informally look into your concern
  • Make referrals to individuals who can address your concern
  • Help define options that are available to you
  • Recommend changes to university policy, rules, or procedures that are outdated, unclear, or ineffective
  • Open avenues of communication; facilitate conversations
  • Offer a SAFE place to discuss your concerns

The Ombuds cannot:

  • Advocate for an individual or group
  • Provide legal advice or representation
  • Assist with a non-university related concern
  • Tell someone what to do
  • Participate in any investigative procedures
  • Engage in matters that are undergoing formal process
  • Accept formal complaints or serve as an office of notice
  • Mandate policies, procedures or make binding decisions