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Ombudsman

Here to Help

The Ombudsman helps students resolve concerns, problems, or conflicts with regards ‌to University policies, procedures, and decisions. The Ombudsman provides for a confidential and neutral place for students to come to express their concerns. Students work with the Ombudsman to identify steps that may be taken to achieve a timely and fair resolution to a problem.

The Ombudsman may collaborate with others in the University community regarding student concerns. The Ombudsman is interested in both issue resolution and prevention in resolving both academic and non-academic concerns.

 

You should contact the Ombudsman when you:

  • Have a problem at SVSU and don’t know how to proceed
  • Feel your concerns are not being addressed
  • Find yourself entangled in bureaucratic red tape
  • Need information about SVSU policies or procedures
  • Need someone to help resolve or mediate a dispute with a student, faculty, or staff member
  • Feel you have been treated unfairly
  • Think the University has made an error
  • Want information about grievance procedures and rights at SVSU
  • Have suggestions about how to improve the University

The Ombudsman will:

  • Listen to you
  • Answer your questions
  • Discuss your concerns and clarify the issue
  • Explain SVSU policies and procedures
  • Provide information
  • Develop options
  • Offer a safe place for students to express grievances
  • Assist you as you pursue resolution(s)
  • Offer coaching for difficult conversations
  • Make referrals to other campus and community resources

The Ombudsman will not:

  • Advocate for specific outcomes
  • Conduct formal investigations
  • Make decisions for students (or overturn decisions made by others)
  • Supersede the authority of a University Official
  • Replace or circumvent existing University channels
  • Act as an agent of "notice" for the University
  • Provide legal advice or represent students in a legal manner

How to Contact the University Ombudsman:

Contact the office directly via email at ombuds@svsu.edu or call 989.964.4410. You can visit the Student Affairs Office at 114 Curtiss Hall.

Please complete the Student Ombuds Intake Form to begin your contact with the Ombudsman.

Contact Us

studentaffairs@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4410(989) 964-4410

Office

114 Curtiss Hall

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm