What is an Ombuds Officer?
The Ombuds Officer is charged with the responsibility of helping students having problems, which the usual processes, and procedures seem unable to handle. Depending on the nature of the problem, the Ombuds officer offers advice, guidance, interpretation and investigation as needed by those who come for help.

While the Officer has the right to raise any questions necessary with any office of the College, the Ombuds Officer does not have the authority to order change. The Ombuds officer also does not set aside or supersede established rules. Rather, knowledge of the facts in a situation plus reason and persuasion have proven adequate to resolve those problems where a mistake has been made or where some practice has been applied unfairly to cause the difficulty. Not all problems can be resolved to the satisfaction of the student, but where it is justified, the College does accommodate.

It is important for you to know that your visit to the Ombuds Officer your problem will be treated in confidence. If at all possible, your name will be revealed only with your permission in order to gain information in our efforts to assist you in some way.

How can we help you?
The Ombudsman WILL...

• Be an advocate for fairness
• Listen to you
• Be impartial
• Answer your questions
• Analyze your situation
• Explain university policies and procedures and problem -solving channels
• Develop options
• Assist you in pursuing a resolution
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures

The Ombudsman WILL NOT...

• Replace or circumvent existing channels
• Have authority to direct any University office to change a decision
• Offer legal advice
• Make decisions for you
• Have a stake in outcomes
• Exact judgment
• Impose penalties

The Ombuds Officer will guide you to some form of resolution. Although we cannot always promise the outcome you were hoping for, we can guarantee that we will listen, be fair, and be responsive to your needs. You will also get a complete explanation as to why and how the resolution achieved came about.


OUR OFFICE IS: Accessible - Neutral - Confidential