University Ombuds

Committed to Ensuring a Supportive Environment for All

University Ombuds

The Office of the University Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, independent and informal assistance to students, staff and faculty in addressing both academic and non-academic concerns at the University that established processes and procedures have not resolved.


***Please note that because of the confidential and informal nature of the Office of the University Ombuds, it is not considered an “office of notice” to the University.***

Key Principles of the Office of the University Ombuds

  • Confidentiality

    All interactions with the Office of the University Ombuds are strictly confidential except in cases where there is consent by complainant, imminent harm to the complainant, others or University, or a legal requirement.

  • Impartiality

    The Office of the University Ombuds does not operate as an advocate for individuals or the University, but as an advocate for fairness of outcomes.  This Office considers all sides of a concern in an impartial and objective manner.

  • Independence

    The Office of the University Ombuds was established by the state legislature and reports directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

  • Informality

    The Ombuds works informally to achieve fair and equitable solutions to concerns.

How University Ombuds Can Support You: The University is committed to providing the best possible environment for all of its students, faculty and staff.  We want to assure that all constituents of the University are served well in all situations.

  • Smiling African American female student in a green shirt seated cross-legged on the floor with a laptop, next to a red backpack and a small stack of books, against an orange background

  • The OMBUDS Can:


    » Answer questions.

    » Help analyze your situation.

    » Help develop options for addressing your concerns.

    » Identify and explain relevant university policies and procedures.

    » Listen carefully to your concerns and complaints.

    » Refer you to appropriate persons and arrange meetings.

    » Recommend changes in procedures or policies to university officials

  •  The OMBUDS Cannot:


    » Advocate for specific outcomes.

    » Direct any university office to change a decision.

    » Make binding or administrative decisions.

    » Make decisions for you.

    » Make, change or set aside policy, procedures, rules or regulations.

    » Provide legal advice or represent you in a legal manner.

    » Replace or circumvent existing channels.

Our Resources

 
     
Appeals & Grievances 
 
     
Policies & Procedures
 
     
Problem Prevention & Solutions

FAQs

 

What does an Ombuds do?

An Ombuds is a neutral, impartial person that informally investigates reported complaints and assists in achieving fair outcomes.  In addition, an Ombuds provides information and offers recommendations regarding changes in policies and procedures.

Where is the Office of the University Ombuds located?
The Office of the University Ombuds is located in Foote-Hilyer Administration Center, room 308, on the campus of Florida A & M University.  The Ombuds can also be reached by email at sylvia.petties@famu.edu.
The telephone and facsimile numbers are (850) 599-3183 and (850) 561-2674, respectively.

When should the Ombuds be contacted?
The Ombuds should be contacted when you are unsure with whom to speak or what options are available, when established policies and procedures have failed to resolve an issue, when the decision-making process appears to be delayed, or when you have a complaint about an office or service.

How can the Ombuds help?
The Ombuds can be a first resource to answer questions when a person doesn’t know where to get information or as a last resort to assist when normal channels, processes or procedures have failed to bring resolution to a problem.

The Ombuds can help by:

  • clarifying university policy and procedures.
  • informally investigating your complaint.
  • listening to your complaint.
  • making referrals.
  • offering a confidential and informal forum to discuss your concerns.
  • opening lines of communications.
  • recommending changes to university policies and procedures.

Why should the Ombuds’ services be used?
The Ombudsman has access to people, records, and services that most people do not.  With such access, the Ombuds will be able to possibly help all parties involved reach a resolution.  Please understand, however, that the Ombuds cannot promise the outcome a person may want.

Other Ways

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