About the Office of the Ombudsperson

The Office of the Ombudsperson at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ supports students by providing confidential, impartial, and independent assistance.Ìý

We promote transparency, accountability, integrity, respect, and accessibility, ensuring every student's voice is heard and valued in a fair and equitable academic environment.

What we do

  • Demystify policy, procedure and regulations for studentsÌý
  • Explore options on how to proceedÌý
  • Make referrals where requiredÌý
  • Provide guidance to plan a strategy and promote problem solvingÌý
  • Empower students to deal directly and effectively with their concernsÌý
  • Give sound, practical adviceÌý
  • Listen and provide objective perspectives

What we don't do

  • Decide who is right or wrongÌý
  • Take sidesÌý
  • Receive complaints unrelated to student lifeÌý
  • Provide legal advice or counsellingÌý
  • Advocate for an individual caseÌý
  • Compel actions or overturn decisions

Students might visit the Ombuds Office with academic or non-academic problems including:

Academic

  • academic petitions, grievances and appeals
  • academic misconduct (e.g. cheating, plagiarism)
  • student records and transcripts
  • course rules and requirements
  • problems with Instructors
  • academic progression and required to withdraw decisions

Non-academic

  • fees or financial
  • parking
  • fines and refunds
  • ethical behaviour
  • non-academic discipline
  • residence
  • clubs/associations

At the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, the Ombuds Office is governed by the Memorandum of Understanding (PDF) - an agreement made between the University and the student associations.

As per the MOU, the Office is co-funded by the University and by Students through Student Fees. This financial division encourages and reinforces the office's impartiality and independence.

The Office of the Ombudsperson abides by the of the (ACCUO), and requires Respectful Communication and Behaviour of all visitors to the office.Ìý

Confidentiality

We maintain confidentiality for all our visitors and keep all information provided confidential, except when:

  • you have given staff in the Ombuds Office permission to share information with a specific party or office
  • disclosure is required or authorized by law; or
  • compelling circumstances exist that affect anyone’s health or safety.
    Ìý