Office of the University Ombuds

Feeling Stuck? Not Sure Where to Turn?
The Ombuds Office Can Help!

The University Ombuds Office provides a safe, accessible, and confidential space for all members of the campus community to seek support, resolve concerns, and explore problem-solving options.

What Is the FGCU Ombuds Office?

The University Ombuds Office at Florida Gulf Coast University provides a central, safe, and confidential place for all members of the FGCU community to gain support and problem-solving resources. Whether you're a student facing academic challenges, a faculty member navigating workplace conflict, or staff dealing with university-related concerns, we offer free, voluntary, and confidential assistance.

As an informal resource, the Ombuds listens to your concerns and explores possible courses of action with you. You decide how to move forward—if at all. Our services are completely off the record, and if another office is better suited to address your concern, we'll guide you to those resources.

*Limits to email confidentiality: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Office of the Ombuds practices in accordance with the International Ombuds Association’s (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. While the Office of the Ombuds makes every effort to maintain information confidentially to the fullest extent of the law, e-mails to or from our office may be considered public records subject to disclosure under Florida Public Records law.

When Should You Contact the FGCU Ombuds?

Contact us if you're experiencing any of the following situations at FGCU:

Common Issues We Help With:

  • Workplace Conflicts: Disagreements with colleagues, supervisors, or team members
  • Academic Concerns: Grade disputes, faculty-student conflicts, academic policy questions
  • Communication Problems: Difficulty communicating with departments or individuals
  • Policy Navigation: Understanding university policies and procedures
  • Ethical Dilemmas: Guidance on ethical concerns or difficult decisions
  • Bullying or Harassment: Informal guidance on addressing interpersonal issues
  • Organizational Issues: Concerns about departmental practices or climate
  • Resource Referrals: Not sure where to go? We can guide you to the right office

How the FGCU Ombuds Can Help You?

Our Services Include:

  • Confidential Listening: A safe space to discuss your concerns without judgment
  • Problem-Solving Strategies: Exploring options and developing action plans
  • Conflict Coaching: Skills and strategies for managing difficult conversations
  • Facilitation: Neutral third-party assistance in resolving disputes
  • Policy Interpretation: Help understanding FGCU policies and procedures
  • Referrals: Connecting you with appropriate campus resources
  • Systems Navigation: Guidance on formal processes and complaint procedures

Our fundamental principals and core values: International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics.

Independence: The Ombuds is independent from all university departments and report directly to university leadership. This structure ensures we can serve your interests without conflicts.

Impartiality: The Ombuds, is designed neutral, remains unaligned, and impartial. The Ombuds does not engage in situation which could create a conflict of interest. The Ombuds Office operates as an alternate channel to provide the confidential, safe discussion and facilitation of communication.

The Ombuds Office does not work or advocate on behalf of employees, students, FGCU administration or any third party. The Ombuds Office works to ensure members of the FGCU community are treated respectfully and be impartial, fair, and objective.

Confidentiality: The Ombuds holds all communication with those seeking assistance in strict confidence. The only exception to the privilege is where there appears to be imminent risk of harm, the visitor requests the disclosure and the Ombuds determines it to be appropriate; or the Ombuds asks for and receives permission for disclosure.

The Ombuds will not keep permanent records of specific, confidential communications. The Ombuds Office may report trends using aggregated data to protect the confidentiality of visitors and its operations. The services provided by the Ombuds Office are entirely voluntary. Visitors may contact the Ombuds Office anonymously. Use of anonymity may, however, present certain limitations on the Ombuds Office's ability to be of assistance.

Informality: The Ombuds, is an informal resource and does not participate in any evaluative, disciplinary, legal, or other formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to the offices attention. The Ombuds Office is not authorized to receive "notice" of claims against FGCU. The Ombuds Office can and will refer those wishing to place FGCU on notice.

The Ombuds Office does not formally investigate issues, create policy, compel action, make management decisions, and does not adjudicate or arbitrate claims.

Important Notice: The Office of the Ombuds is not an office of notice and is not an office of record. Communication to the Office will not constitute formal notice to the University of any alleged violations of law, regulations, or policies. The Office is not a "campus security authority" as defined by the Clery Act or an "official who has authority to institute corrective measures" under Title IX.

Ombuds Office Charter

Self Help Resources

Workshops/Coaching

Written Complaint Process

Follow us on    

Get Immediate Support: Emergency - Call 911 | Campus Police - 239-590-1900 | EARS Line - 239-745-EARS

Additional Supports for your Concerns: OIEC | Human Resources| Student Care

  • Ombuds Communications

    Toggle More Info
  • Primary Objective

    Toggle More Info
  • What is an Ombuds?

    Toggle More Info
  • What does an Ombuds do?

    Toggle More Info
  • Why should you visit?

    Toggle More Info
  • Not sure where to go

    Toggle More Info
  • What will happen after a meeting?

    Toggle More Info
  • Meet the Ombuds

    Toggle More Info
  • FAQ's & Campus Resources

    Toggle More Info
  • Annual Report

    Toggle More Info
  • Contact Us

    Toggle More Info

University Ombuds

Dr. Daniel Hoover
University Ombuds
Edwards Hall Room 211
ombuds@fgcu.edu

Florida has a very broad public records law. Do not include confidential information in your email.(239) 590-1022