Student Dispute Resolution

Purpose of the Ombudsman

An Ombudsman provides a safe and comfortable environment for students to discuss complaints, concerns or problems privately. When appropriate, the office will initiate an informal intervention with the goal of facilitating a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved. The ombudsman acts as an independent, impartial resource. If a matter cannot be resolved through this office, a referral will be made. When appropriate, the office can make recommendations regarding policy review and change.

The Office of the Ombudsman offers an alternative opportunity to resolve complaints, concerns or problems in a timely and private manner. Users of the office are provided a place to explore options to make informed decisions. The Office of the Ombudsman does not replace or substitute for formal grievance, investigative or appeal processes made available by the College. Also, the office does not have any authority to make decisions or enact policy. Use of the Ombudsman Office is not a substitute for formal procedures, such as filing a final grade grievance. Any communication with the Ombudsman Office is off-the-record and does not put the College on notice of a problem. If students wish to place the College on notice, the ombudsman can provide information about how to do so. Ombudsmen follow no prescribed sequences of steps, and do not participate in any formal grievance process. The ombudsman does not advocate for either party and cannot assist a student who is represented by legal counsel.

An ombudsman does not make, change, or set aside policy or previous administrative decisions, nor does an ombudsman serve to determine the rights of others or to unilaterally resolve conflicts. Rather, knowledge of the facts of a situation, plus reason, persuasion, and familiarity with the system are adequate to resolve those problems in which a mistake was made, where a practice was applied unfairly, or where poor judgment was exercised in reaching a decision.