What the ombuds does
Listens without taking a side, explains the relevant policy in plain language, lays out every option (formal and informal), helps you prepare for a hard conversation or draft an email, and — with your permission — can make an informal inquiry or facilitate a conversation between you and another party. It is often the fastest way to understand a confusing situation.
What the ombuds is not
Not an advocate for you or for the university, not a decision-maker, and not an office of record. Talking to the ombuds does not put the university “on notice” of a problem and does not start or stop any clock — so if you want a formal complaint on the record, you still have to file it with the right office. The ombuds will tell you which office and by when.
Confidential and independent
Conversations are confidential to the extent the law allows, with narrow exceptions for an imminent safety risk or certain abuse reports. The ombuds reports outside the normal chain of command so that it can be candid with everyone. Nothing you say is shared without your consent.
When to go
A grade dispute you do not understand, a conflict with an instructor, adviser, roommate, or supervisor, a process that seems unfair or is stalled, a policy that does not make sense, a climate concern, or simply not knowing where to start. There is no problem too small; catching it early is the point.
Questions?
See the full staff & office directory for any phone number or email. Because this is a fictional parody site, addresses and phone numbers are illustrative and do not reach a real university.