Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does an Ombuds do?

An Ombuds is a person whose function within an organization is to help solve problems, operating not as an advocate for individuals or the institution, but as a proponent for fairness of outcomes. The Ombuds is a neutral party. The responsibility of the Office of the Ombuds at Florida Atlantic University is to assist students in addressing concerns that established processes and procedures have not resolved. Depending on the nature of a problem, and prior attempts at resolution, the Ombuds offers guidance, advice, interpretation, and review.

The Ombuds will:

Listen to you
Be Impartial
Answer your Questions
Analyze Your Situation
Explain University Policies, Procedures, and Problem-Solving Channels
Develop Options
Assist you in pursuing a Resolution
Campaign for Fairness of outcomes

Is there anything you cannot do?

The Ombuds WILL NOT:

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

The Ombuds does not advocate for either party.
The office cannot assist you if you have sought legal counsel.

When should you visit the Ombuds's office?

The time to visit the Ombuds is when established processes and procedures have failed to resolve an issue to your satisfaction when a decision affecting you is given without explanation, when the decision-making process appears to be stalled, or when you need help in just getting things started on the road to resolution. Sometimes simply having the correct information is all that one really needs to solve a problem.

Will you tell anyone I was in your office?

What types of things can I talk to you about?

The usual areas of concern include:

Academic Problems
Cultural Conflicts
Grade Appeals
Financial Concerns
Housing Issues
Testing Procedures
Parking Problems
Fear of Retaliation

Any Many More!

Do you change rules?

The Ombuds does not order change by direct imposition of authority and does not set aside or supersede existing rules and regulations. Rather, knowledge of the facts of a situation, plus reason, persuasion, and familiarity with the system have proven adequate to resolve those problems in which a mistake was made, where a practice was applied unfairly, or where the poor judgment was exercised in reaching a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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