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. 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. 

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