Ombuds

The university ombudsman can be the first resource when a student does not know where to get information for a particular situation; or as a last resort, when normal channels of communication have failed to bring resolution to a difficulty.

You should visit the Ombuds Office if:

• You are not sure where to go for help

• You have a problem, concern, complaint, or dispute you want to discuss informally

• You would like to talk to someone confidentially

• You are unsure of university policies or procedures that relate to your problem

• You would like to know what resources or options are available to you

• You feel a policy or procedure is not being followed fairly

• You have identified issues or trends you would the University to address

We operate according to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice established by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). 

• Independence: The 0mbudsman is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.
• Impartiality: The ombudsman, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The ombudsman does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.
• Confidentiality: The ombudsman holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
• Informality: The ombudsman, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.

Visit the IOA website to learn more about the IOA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

The ombudsman can help students with the following:

• Listen to your concerns
• Clarify university policies and procedures
• Answer questions concerning appropriate channels
• Assist with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
• Informally research the basis of your complaint
• Provide referrals to individuals and/or department to appropriately address your concern
• Explore and evaluate possible options available to resolve concerns
• Open avenues of communication or facilitate conversations

The ombudsman cannot help students with the following:

• Replace or circumvent existing channels
• Direct any university office to change a decision
• Offer legal advice
• Make decisions for you
• Have a stake in outcomes
• Exact judgment
• Impose penalties
• Set aside rules and regulations

Additionally, the ombuds does not advocate for either party nor can the office assist you if you have sought legal counsel.

Confidentiality cannot be maintained by the Ombuds Office if there is an imminent risk of serious harm, suspected child abuse or neglect, or as otherwise required by law. The Ombuds will review exceptions to confidentiality with visitors.

Additionally, Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by University employees is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request; unless otherwise exempt. Please do not include confidential information in emails to the Office. In addition, under Florida Law, email addresses are public records.

If you do not want your email address released in response to a public record request, do not send emails to the office.