Office of the University Ombuds

The Office of the University Ombuds works with students, faculty and staff to assist in problem solving and as an advocate for fairness.

What is an Ombuds?
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The name ombudsman, ombudsperson or ombuds (om budz man) comes from Swedish and literally means “representative.” At the most fundamental level, an ombudsman is one who helps individuals and groups in the resolution of conflicts or concerns (The International Ombudsman Association). There are different types of ombuds. At FGCU there is an organizational ombuds, defined as: “a designated neutral who is appointed or employed by an organization to facilitate the informal resolution of concerns of employees, managers, students and, sometimes, external clients of the organization.”

The Ombuds will listen to your concern and will work with you to understand your interests and goals. The Ombuds will explain policies and procedures, help define options, and work with you and others to create strategies to resolve problems. If the issue is appropriately handled by the Ombuds Office, we will assist in developing strategies to help resolve your concern or conflict. If another office is better suited to address or resolve the concern, we will advise you of those options.

During the current Coronavirus pandemic, the Office of the University Ombuds is working remotely. We are available to assist by phone and by video conference. Please feel free to call us at 239-590-1022 and leave a message. You can also send us an e-mail with your contact information and we will give you a call as soon as possible.

The Ombuds serves students, faculty and staff

The Office of the University Ombuds is here to assist you with your concerns

Student concerns STaff CONCERNS faculty CONCERNS

Initiatives and Outreach Programs

The Office of the University Ombuds works on a variety of initiatives and offers programs to enrich your growth

continuous improvement Grant-in-aid

COVID-19 Resource Page

Student resources for formal and informal conflict resolution related to COVID-19.

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Students, staff and faculty can contact the Office of the University Ombuds about any issue related to campus life. The Ombuds will listen to your concern and will work with you to understand your interests and goals. If the issue is appropriately handled by the Office of the University Ombuds, we will assist in developing strategies to help resolve your concern or conflict. If another office is better suited to address or resolve the concern, we will advise you of those options. In addition to assisting individuals and groups to resolve concerns, the Office of the University Ombuds also:

Provides workshops on a variety of communication, negotiation and conflict management topics
Supports events related to conflict resolution, civility, harmony, diversity and inclusion
Provides non-identifying feedback to the leadership about trends and systemic problems raised within the campus community

Office of University Ombuds

Monique McKay, LL.B, LL.M

Assistant to the President,

University Ombuds

Edwards Hall Room 211
mmckay@fgcu.edu

Charlotte Bingham, MPA

Assistant Ombuds

Edwards Hall 218F

cbingham@fgcu.edu

Florida has a very broad public records law. Do not include confidential information in your email.

(239) 590-1022

Fax (239) 590-7407