Published on Brock University (http://www.brocku.ca)
Ombudsperson
What We Do
What is the Ombudsperson?
An Ombudsperson helps resolve concerns, complaints or conflicts in an impartial, confidential and informal way.
How can the Ombudsperson help?
The Ombudsperson provides a safe, comfortable and confidential place for you to discuss your concerns or complaints outside formal channels. The Ombudsperson cannot impose solutions, but suggests options and strategies for resolution.
The Ombudsperson will:
• Listen and help to analyze the problem or complaint;
• Identify and explain relevant policies and procedures;
• Help to define and evaluate options; and
• Help you resolve problems informally.
The Ombudsperson may:
· Investigate a problem, complaint, or concern;
· Mediate conflicts;
· Begin discussions with other people or departments involved (only with your permission);
· Make referrals to other campus and community resources; and
· Recommend changes in College policies or procedures.
Contact the Ombuds for student-related issues and concerns:
• To discuss a sensitive issue in confidence;
• For help in resolving a conflict with another person or department;
• For help in communication or negotiation with faculty, staff, students, or others;
• For advice on policies, procedures, or regulations;
• If you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been unfairly applied to you;
• For advice on how to pursue a complaint about an office or service at the University; and
• When you don't know who to talk to, where to turn or what options are available.
Common Reasons Graduate Students Might Contact the Ombudsperson:
· To understand your rights and responsibilities as a graduate student as well as your supervisors/committee’s/program’s responsibilities to you as a student and employee.
· Concerns with your supervisor: facilitating conversation, considering switching thesis/MRP committee composition or difficult conversations in general.
· Inquiring about unfair grade assessment; appeal procedures.
· Finding ways to articulate boundaries with research, teaching, writing and administrative expectations in verbal and written contracts.
· Disputes around funding or assistantships.
· Seeking support for meetings at the Departmental, Faculty and Graduate Studies levels. The Ombudsperson can attend with you.
· Academic Misconduct policy and procedure navigation.
Carole Moss (BA Psychology; MA Social Justice and Equity Studies Candidate)
Student Ombudsperson
Located within Brock University Students Union
Student Alumni Building, 3rd Floor