Student Concerns

The Ombuds Office is an Advocate for Fairness

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. The Ombuds handles conflicts on a case-by case basis, with different strategies used depending on the issues and individuals involved.

How should I resolve my concerns or complaints?

The Ombuds Office will work with you to resolve your issues. In some circumstances a conversation, conflict coaching, a facilitated discussion or a mediation might be appropriate. Find additional resources to address your concerns or complaints by referring to the Student Complaints website.

FAQs

What can you expect when you visit the Ombudsperson?
Toggle More Info
- The Ombudsperson will listen to you
- The Ombudsperson will work with you to determine what your interests and goals are and will help you identify options and strategies to help resolve your concern or conflict
What we do
Toggle More Info
- Provide conflict resolution coaching
- Coordinate with other individuals or university departments to explain a policy or procedure or to resolve an issue
- Facilitate communication with other parties
- Work directly with a department or campus resource to help resolve issues or a concern
- Help obtain additional information and resources
- Provide mediation or facilitation services
- Make referrals to campus resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Adaptive Services, Academic Advising or the Center for Academic Achievement
- Suggest negotiation strategies to resolve conflict and prevent disputes
You decide how you want your concern handled. The Ombuds may suggest options but it is up to you to decide how to proceed. You may give the Ombuds permission to share information or to discuss a concern with another individual or department on campus to try and resolve your concern.
Benefits
Toggle More Info
The benefits of these informal processes are that:
- the processes are flexible;
- individual raising the concern or complaint has greater control over the timing or pace of resolving the concern;
- individuals involved in the dispute or conflict have greater control over the outcome;
- creative solutions can be developed and implemented;
- relationships can be improved; and
- parties can be empowered in the process as they resolve the concern or complaint.

Office of University Ombuds

Dr. Helen Mamarchev
Interim Ombuds
Edwards Hall Room 213C
hmamarchev@fgcu.edu

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

(239) 590-7405