Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ombudsman?

Who Can Use the Office?

Why Should I Contact the Office?

How Can the Ombudsman Help Me?

Where Can I Find the Ombudsman?

When Should I Contact the Ombudsman?

What Concerns Has the Ombudsman Investigated?

An ombudsman helps resolve problems or complaints within the university and helps achieve equitable settlements. The ombudsman is also a source of confidential advice.

WHO CAN USE THE OFFICE?

Any member of the Cornell community...students, faculty, and staff...and others who may bring a complaint against the university. The ombudsman's office may also investigate problems and grievances on its own initiative.

WHY SHOULD I CONTACT THE OFFICE?

For more than twenty-five years, the ombudsman's office has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience on ways to work successfully to solve problems within and through Cornell's complex structure. It is our responsibility to make that knowledge and experience available to individuals.

HOW CAN THE OMBUDSMAN HELP ME?

The ombudsman can:

1. explain Cornell policies and procedures and help you use them;
2. advise you of alternative courses of action and help you pursue them;
3. refer you to the right person and arrange a meeting with him or her;
4. mediate for you when appropriate;
5. follow up to make sure your concern is resolved;
6. recommend changes to correct problem areas.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE OMBUDSMAN?

Our office is located in 118 Stimson Hall (on East Avenue between Day Hall and Goldwin Smith Hall). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or other times by appointment.
607-255-4321
ombudsman@cornell.edu

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT THE OMBUDSMAN?

Many problems can be handled through normal channels. First consult the person responsible for the specific area, such as a dean, department head, or supervisor. Sometimes you may not know to whom you should speak or what options exist. Talk first to the ombudsman to discuss your alternatives.

WHAT CONCERNS HAS THE OMBUDSMAN INVESTIGATED?

The Ombudsman deals with both academic and non-academic matters. All inquiries are confidential. We have helped individuals solve problems related to:

• academic appointment policies
• academic regulations and requirements
• admissions policies
• athletic and recreational programs and use of facilities
• campus safety
• course requirements, procedures, and examinations
• discriminatory, capricious, or unprofessional conduct of a staff or faculty member
• employment issues, including dismissal, layoff, and working conditions
• fees and fines
• financial aid
• grade disputes
• graduate committee and field actions
• grievance procedures and policies
• health services
• housing
• interpersonal disputes
• libraries
• parking and traffic
• registration
• residency
• sexual harassment
• student accounts
• student organization policies
• student records
• tenure policies and procedures
• transportation services

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Last modified December 2002