Academic Grievance Ombudsman
The ombudsman is an independent, confidential resource who provides assistance to faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral students in resolving problems, complaints, and conflicts when normal procedures have not worked satisfactorily. The Ombudsman’s Office serves as a central information source on policies, procedures, and regulations affecting faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral students. The office refers individuals to persons able to resolve problems or handle appeals at the lowest possible level. Where appropriate, the ombudsman can facilitate communication or mediate between parties.
The ombudsman strives to ensure that faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral students receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system. He/she provides an independent point of view in an informal and confidential environment. The ombudsman will not identify the student or discuss the student’s personal concerns with anyone without the student’s permission. Private confidential meetings can be arranged at the student’s convenience. All communications will be treated with strict confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law.
The ombudsman works toward resolutions based on principles of fairness. He/she is neither an advocate for faculty, administration, or students, nor an agent of the University.
The Office of the Ombudsman is available to assist faculty members, graduate students, and postdoctoral students who
- need guidance in resolving a problem or a concern relating to the University
- need information about policies or procedures
- need someone to mediate between individuals or within the University
- feel the University has made an error in a particular case
- feel they have been victims of harassment or discrimination
- are unsure about which University policies, procedures, or regulations apply to a situation
- have specific academic problems that cannot be resolved by following regular University procedures
- feel they have been unfairly treated
- have a problem that requires someone to negotiate a solution or to help facilitate communication between parties
- feel that a University policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously
Additional information is available at virtual.clemson.edu/groups/FacOmbudsman/.
