Services
The Student Ombuds works to promote a fair process for all.
The Student Ombuds is guided and informed by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). The Student Ombuds does not advocate for any individual point of view and does not participate in any formal grievance process.
Conflict Resolution
The Student Ombuds can help you resolve any on-going academic, departmental, or peer-related disputes by providing an impartial perspective, role-playing, helping you identify resources and options, leading informal mediations and coaching your communications.
Support and Education
The Student Ombuds can help you as an individual or as a member of a student organization by clarifying University policies, guiding you through formal complaint processes, providing training, arranging conflict management workshops, group mediations and contacting appropriate referrals.
Risk Assessment
As an independent official for the institution, the Student Ombuds can serve as a confidential point of contact between students and University leadership to raise wide systemic concerns and disputes, to facilitate the communication between parties and negotiate appropriate solutions.
An Ombuds…
Does
- Listen to concerns and/or issues
- Remain impartial
- Explore options and resources
- Maintain confidentiality
- Clarify University policies
- Coach for difficult conversations
- Coach for email responses
- Provide facilitation between parties
- Provide informal mediation
- Refer you to formal complaint processes
- Bring systemic concerns to the attention of the University for resolution
Does Not
- Take sides
- Breach confidentiality
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make or change policy
- Make formal management decisions to resolve the concern
- Take action on a concern without permission
- Mandate changes in policies, procedures or the attitude and behavior of others
- Accept notice on behalf of the University