Student Ombuds Office

All current graduate students, undergraduate students, and open studies students at the University of Calgary can use the Student Ombuds Office. The Office can also consult with faculty and staff about fair and equitable decision-making processes.

Issues can become more difficult to resolve if action is delayed or deadlines are missed. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Ombuds Office as soon as you:

• believe you have been treated unfairly;
• are experiencing a conflict or issue and need support in exploring a resolution; 
• are involved in an appeal process and need help understanding procedures;
• need clarification about your rights and responsibilities as a student.

Aiming to promote fair and equitable processes, the Student Ombuds Office supports on a wide range of concerns, including academic matters (such as grade reappraisals, required to withdraw decisions, readmission, accommodations, academic misconduct), policy and procedure clarification (such as the appeal process), concerns about administrative procedures, non-academic misconduct issues, and conflict management.

The Student Ombuds or the Associate Student Ombuds will listen to your concern and may ask clarifying questions to better understand the situation and the outcome you are seeking. They may then identify relevant university policies and procedures; help you develop a strategy by outlining possible ways forward or refer you to the appropriate office to help resolve the issue.

With your consent, and where appropriate, the Student Ombuds Office may also contact those involved to discuss your concerns, and/or take steps to facilitate a resolution.

The Student Ombuds Office is not an advocacy office nor a decision-making office. However, many students increase their ability to self-advocate and feel more confident in their own decision making after visiting the Student Ombuds Office.

The Student Ombuds and Associate Student Ombuds do not accompany students in meetings, such as hearings and appeals. However, students may receive resources to help prepare for such meetings, including referrals to potential supports on campus who can attend meetings with students.

The campus offers a support network for students experiencing difficulties, including Mental Health Services, where you can speak with a counsellor or Student Support Advisors.

Please refer to Student Wellness Services | University of Calgary for more information. 

For more information about on-campus services, visit Services | Current Students | University of Calgary.