1. Meet The Team
  2. Role of the Office of the University Ombudsperson

Role of the Office of the University Ombudsperson

The central role of the Office of the University Ombudsperson (OUO) is to help ensure procedural fairness in university decision-making. 

The OUO is an independent, impartial, and confidential resource. As an impartial resource, the Ombudsperson and all staff working within the OUO are precluded from involvement in visitor requests where there is an actual or apparent conflict of interest, and from acting as advocates or personal representatives. A priority for the OUO is to facilitate fair processes within the university.

The OUO provides general guidance to community members about their rights and responsibilities and on the relevant procedures to follow. The office also proactively reviews policies, procedures, and decision-making frameworks of the university to identify opportunities for systemic improvement.

An ombudsperson is concerned with the right of every person to be treated fairly. Ombudsperson offices are founded on the principles of independence, impartiality, accessibility and confidentiality. They are guided by a commitment to fair treatment and fair process. For more information about the Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s OUO, please visit the Terms of Reference page.
 

Impartiality is a core tenet of being an Ombudsperson. All staff within the OUO must operate objectively and without bias.

Where circumstances arise to create a possible or perceived conflict of interest, the OUO will resolve the conflict in accordance with university standards guided by the policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment and the Standard Operating Procedure for Management of Conflicts of Interest in the Office of the University Ombudsperson.

An ombudsperson is an impartial party, not an advocate. Typically an ombudsperson works with institutional policies and procedures rather than the law. There is no fee for using the services of an ombudsperson in a college or university.

The OUO does not provide legal advice or counselling services, nor can it be an advocate. We can, however, refer you to the appropriate agency for such services.

 

The OUO is a resource for everyone in the Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s community: staff, students, faculty, alum, and visitors. As a confidential resource, the OUO is unable to provide specific guidance to third parties (i.e., parents, legal representatives, advisors) without the written consent of the individual to whom the concern relates.
 

You can contact the Office if you:
  • aren’t sure where to go to get your problem or concern addressed
  • believe you have been treated unfairly
  • have a conflict or problem and need help in pursuing a resolution
  • are seeking an appeal and need help understanding the process
  • are a staff or faculty member and need advice on process or decision-making related to students
  • are a student club, staff, or faculty member and want training on fairness and making decisions