The ombudsman serves as a neutral third party providing assistance to students who have University-related complaints of a nonlegal nature. The ombudsman and most of the office staff are students. The ombudsman is authorized to investigate grievances involving both academic and nonacademic concerns and recommend corrective measures. Examples of types of cases the ombudsman handles include complaints about grades, parking, financial aid, registration, adds and drops, refunds, residency, housing, and scholastic probation and dismissal. Any case considered inappropriate may be declined by the ombudsman.
All assistance provided by the office is confidential and is available by phone or in person.
Academic related grievances. Academic grievances involving grade disputes should be discussed with the course instructor. Grade disputes that are not resolved and all other academic grievances should be submitted in writing to the department chairman or other designated administrator of the academic program to which the grievance relates. Appeals may be directed to the appropriate academic dean who will render the final decision. The dean of the college or school in which a student is enrolled has jurisdiction over the student's program of study, degree requirements, and all other academic matters including grievances, except as described below.