How can the Ombudsperson help me with a complaint, problem or concern I have?

The Office of the Ombudsperson is concerned that decisions affecting students are made promptly and fairly. You may want to contact the Office if:

• you feel that you have been treated unfairly;
• you are not sure what to do; or
• you need information or advice about a University policy or procedure.

Some of the issues we have dealt with in the past include: academic appeals; group work; academic misconduct; graduation; fees; admissions; suspension & re-instatement; conduct of faculty (professors, course instructors or TAs), staff or students; safety & security issues; residence issues; financial aid. You may also find the online directory useful if you are trying to contact specific student services departments at Ryerson.

If you contact the Ombudsperson or Assistant Ombudsperson they will:

• listen carefully to your concerns,
• make referrals and assist you to obtain the information you need,
• discuss options and generate alternative strategies,
• help to informally and impartially resolve any conflicts, and
• mediate or facilitate discussions between students, staff or faculty members, on some occasions.

The Ombudsperson has access to all University records which are relevant to a matter that is being reviewed. All contact with the Office is confidential. We are an "off-the-record" resource and not an office of notice. Action is only taken with the explicit consent of the person who raised the concern.

The Ombudsperson also has the authority to investigate final decisions to determine whether a student has been treated fairly and whether applicable university policies and procedures have been followed, are adequate, and have been consistently applied. In order to determine whether or not a decision has been made fairly, the Ombudsperson makes use of an Administrative Fairness Checklist.

What values, principles and ethics guide the Ombudsperson?

• Fairness: The Ombudsperson is guided foremost by a concern for fairness.
• Impartiality: The Ombudsperson handles all cases impartially. She listens to concerns objectively without taking a side.
• Independence: The Ombudsperson is not an employee of Ryerson University nor is she affiliated with any student associations. She is independent of administrative structures and of student government.
  
  For more information see the article: The Principles of Ombudsing.
  

SOURCE: 8/2/2004 University of Wisconsin-Madison Academic Leadership Support, Office of Quality Improvement and Office of Human Resources Development. Emphasis added.

How do I contact the Office?

You can Contact the Office by phone or email to set up an appointment. We also welcome drop-ins, however, please keep in mind that we may already be meeting with someone when you drop in so we may have to set up another time to discuss your concerns.

What are your Office hours?

The Office is normally open between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, and Fridays 9:30am to 4:30 pm (excluding statutory holidays) in order to serve the needs of a broader range of Ryerson students. After-hours and off-campus appointments are also available.

Page updated May 7, 2012 . Please direct any questions/comments to ombuds@ryerson.ca . Website maintained by Ayesha Adam.