Are you experiencing a conflict or challenge with a policy or process at U-M? The Office of the Student Ombuds may be able to help. The Office of the Student Ombuds is a place where U-M students can bring their questions, complaints, and concerns about the university.
The Office of the Student Ombuds is confidential, meaning that information shared will not be communicated or reported to any formal process at the university. Students find confidential meetings with the Student Ombuds helpful in discussing:
- informal dispute resolution services;
- resources and referrals, and;
- helpful ways to consider all options available to you.
The Student Ombuds is an impartial advocate for fair and consistent treatment, working independently of U-M's administrative and formal dispute resolution processes. It has no decision-making authority, but it can help you navigate the often intricate steps of these processes.
What Does the Student Ombuds Do?
- Provides a safe and confidential setting where students feel respected and where they can be candid and forthright.
- Listens intently and discusses conflicts, disputes, concerns and complaints that students have about the functioning of the University, including its policies and procedures, the actions of others and unfair treatment.
- Helps students evaluate and select among a variety of options to address their concerns.
- Answers questions or help find others who can answer them.
- Makes appropriate referrals and assists in creating a helping network for students.
- Coaches students on dispute resolution skills.
- Advises students about informal and formal problem resolution possibilities, and helps to untangle and clarify "red tape."
- Engages in shuttle diplomacy between parties finding it difficult to solve a problem.
- Identifies needed improvements in University policies, procedures, and patterns of treatment, and recommends changes.
What Does the Student Ombuds Not Do?
- Participate in formal grievance processes, hearings, or judicial processes
- Make administrative or academic decisions for other parts of the University
- Determine the guilt or innocence of those accused of wrongdoing
- Assign sanctions
- Give legal advice
- Keep official University files and records
To request a meeting with the Student Ombuds please email [email protected], call 734-763-3545 or fill out the meeting request form. To learn more about the Office of the Student Ombuds, please visit https://ombuds.umich.edu/