Student Ombuds
What kinds of concerns are brought to the Ombuds?
When should I contact the Ombuds?
What is an Ombuds?
The purpose of the Ombuds is to assist students within the university community in solving problems and conflicts. The Ombuds will listen, discuss issues, answer questions, interpret policies, provide information and referrals and help develop options for problem resolution. The Ombuds serves as an advocate for fairness for University of Florida students.
The Ombuds is:
- accessible, working with all members of the university community.
- independent, reporting directly to the Provost and through the Provost to the President.
- unbiased, considering the rights and interests of all parties involved, searching for fair solutions.
What kinds of concerns are brought to the Ombuds?
You may discuss any concern confidentially with the Ombuds. Issues brought to the Ombuds typically involve:
- academics
- admissions
- judicial concerns
- discrimination
- cultural conflicts
- instructor/student misunderstanding
- grade appeal
- financial concerns
- housing
- testing procedures
- roommate concerns
- unethical behavior
- fear of retaliation
... and many more
Where do I find the Ombuds?
We invite you to call for a phone consultation or to schedule an appointment. While scheduling an appointment is recommended, walk-ins are always welcome in room 31 Tigert Hall.
When should I contact the Ombuds?
You can contact the Office of the Ombuds anytime!
Instructors, academic advisers, department chairpersons, deans and directors are all experts at handling specific types of problems and should, in most cases, be consulted first. However, in some situations these official channels may involve lengthy or damaging delays. In these situations contact the Ombuds early in the process.
Contact us if:
- you are unsure with whom to speak, or what options are available.
- you feel that you have been unfairly or inequitably treated as a member of the university community
- you feel that a university policy, procedure or regulation has been applied unfairly or in error, or is itself unfair.
- you have a problem that requires someone to help negotiate a solution, or to facilitate you communication with faculty, staff, or others.
- you have a complaint about an office or service.
- you want to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence.
What can this office do?
The Ombuds can help when other approaches have failed. After proceeding through regular channels you may find you still require information or assistance. The Ombuds will help identify additional options.
The Ombuds can:
- answer your questions.
- evaluate your situation.
- explain UF policies and procedures.
- develop options for addressing your concern.
- assist you in finding a solution.
- refer you to appropriate persons, arrange meetings.
- recommend changes in procedures or policies to university officials.