Welcome
Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, postdoctoral scholar, trainee, or other member of the Michigan State University community, the Office of the University Ombudsperson provides a confidential place to discuss concerns related to your experience at the University. These concerns may include academic matters, workplace issues, administrative challenges, interpersonal conflicts, ethical concerns, or other situations affecting your ability to work, learn, teach, research, or engage fully in the University community.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson helps individuals better understand University policies, procedures, and resources while providing a safe space to explore concerns, consider options, and navigate complex situations. Here, you can speak freely with a confidential, impartial resource about a complaint, conflict, concern, or problem. We are not part of any formal University process, do not advocate for any individual or unit, and do not take sides in disputes. We operate independently of University decision-making structures.
You may contact us at any point during your educational, professional, or employment journey at Michigan State University. Together, we can clarify concerns, explore options, identify strategies, review relevant policies and procedures, connect you with appropriate resources, and help manage expectations while promoting the values of respect, fairness, and integrity.
While maintaining strict confidentiality, the Office of the University Ombudsperson also provides University leaders with aggregated, non-identifying information about trends, patterns, systemic concerns, and emerging campus needs. This feedback helps the University proactively strengthen its policies, practices, and organizational culture.
The Office operates pursuant to its Charter Agreement with the University, the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and the American Bar Association Standards for the Establishment and Operation of Ombuds Offices. Ombuds services are confidential, neutral, informal, and independent.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
- Independence: The Office of the University Ombudsperson officially reports to the President but is independent of any University administrative structure.
- Neutrality: We seek processes that are fair and equitable to all parties. The Office provides an impartial and objective resource for the University community.
- Confidentiality: Information concerning any visit will not be disclosed without the visitor's permission, absent compelling reasons (e.g., a court order or potential risk to safety). On occasion, the Ombudspersons may, at the request of the visitor and if appropriate, contact another party and seek additional information or clarification to better understand the nature of the problem.
- Informality: The University Ombudspersons listen, seek to understand, and provide information to help solve problems. The University Ombudspersons do not participate in the formal grievance process.
FAIRNESS TRIANGLE
Fair Process, Fair Outcome, Fair Treatment
To learn more about the Office of the University Ombudsperson from the ombuds themselves, please take a few moments to watch our introductory video.
