FGCU Equal Opportunity & Diversity Affairs (text version)

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University Ombudsman

The University Ombudsman Office was established by the State Legislature and reports directly to the President. The purpose of the office is to assist students in resolving problems and conflicts. The office serves as a prompt, impartial, and confidential means of facilitating dialogue between parties on campus, and as a means, apart from formal grievance procedures of resolving differences. Our purpose is to provide the highest quality and client-focused services for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts.

Operating Philosophy

Florida Gulf Coast University vigorously protects freedom of inquiry and expression, and expects civility, equity of treatment and mutual respect to be practiced in all aspects of University life. The Ombudsman's Office promotes early intervention to reduce the negative consequences of conflict. When needed follow-through and referral assistance are provided.

Once a problem is reported, the Ombudsman works with the client to identify alternative responses for systematically addressing the matter. A plan is developed which seeks to minimize negative consequences for all parties and the University, while focusing on achieving a mutually satisfactory solution.

The Ombudsman's Office is firmly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of those who use our services. To the extent possible, the discussions, issues, concerns, or problems presented to the Campus Ombudsman will remain in strict confidence.

No student shall be retaliated against for using the services of the Ombudsman.

What the Ombudsman does

According to University policy, the Ombudsman is expected to:

• Act as a source of information and assistance to students concerning University related rules, regulations, and procedures. Such problems may be related to grades, differences of opinion with instructors, or academic matters that need resolution. Although a student may contact the Ombudsman at any stage of the process, there are several stages in resolution. The first step is discussing the problem with the professor or appropriate staff person. If the problem is not resolved at this level, the department chairperson, college dean or Dean of Student Services will be included in the discussion.

• Receive complaints from students with regard to students' access to courses and credit granted toward the degree.

• Bring the complaint to the attention of the appropriate University official, if it has not already been heard.

• Seek to resolve the difficulty between the aggrieved individual and the University official involved.

• Make recommendations to the President and appropriate authorities about desired or necessary changes in University rules, regulations, and procedures.

How the Ombudsman can help you

• By listening carefully to concerns and complaints.

• By helping analyze the situation.

• By looking into a concern, including talking with involved parties, and reviewing pertinent documents and policies.

• By identifying and explaining relevant University policies, procedures, and problem-solving channels.

• By mediating discussions between individuals in a dispute or problem situation.

• By helping define options.

• By following up to make sure a concern is resolved.

• By recommending changes in University policies or procedures.

When the Ombudsman does not get involved

• When you want legal advice or legal representation. The Ombudsman can advise you of your rights within the University, but will not provide legal advice or represent you in a legal matter.

• When you have a non-University-related disagreement or problem.

• When you want someone to represent you in a University grievance procedure. The Ombudsman will discuss the process and clarify the options available before and after the proceedings.

Processing Complaints

Complaints may be received by the following campus officers: the chair, director, or team leader of the relevant department/area and the dean of the college; the Dean of Student Services, and the Ombudsman.

The recipient of the informal complaint may deem it appropriate either to undertake an informal resolution of the complaint or to refer the complainant to another appropriate campus officer who may be better able to resolve the issue.

A Student Information Form is available in the Ombudsman's office:

Charles W. McKinney
Director of Educational Services
and Ombudsman
Florida Gulf Coast University
Library Building #228
(941) 590-1022
Fax (941) 590-1059
E-mail: cmk@fgcu.edu

 

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Florida Gulf Coast University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
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Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.