INFORMAL – IMPARTIAL – INDEPENDENT
The Ombuds Office works to:
· Ensure that undergraduate students receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaints involving the university
· Assist students with resolving issues with the university – issues include those in which students are unsure where to go for assistance or those that may not be easily addressed through established policies or procedure
· Provide information on university policies and procedures
· Make referrals to appropriate campus colleagues who may be helpful with resolving issues, and sometimes facilitates the resolution of problems
What We Will and Will Not Do
The ombudsperson will:
- Listen to concerns and complaints
- Answer questions or help find others who can
- Help identify and explore options
- Explain university policies and procedures
- Make referrals to appropriate university offices
- Be an advocate for fairness
The ombudsperson will not:
- Replace or circumvent existing channels
- Direct a University office to change a decision
- Offer legal advice
- Make decisions for you
- Serve as a witness or advocate for an individual or area within the university
- Set aside campus rules
Staff and Location
Lisa Kiely, Undergraduate Student Ombudsperson
Lkiely@umd.edu
The Office of Undergraduate Studies
2110 Marie Mount Hall, College Park, MD 20742
Students who have concerns about a class should work directly with their instructor to resolve the issue. If they are unable to reach a resolution with the instructor, students may consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) in the department or unit that offers the course, who can provide assistance. DUGS are knowledgeable about policy and work closely with instructors in their unit to resolve concerns. If you need assistance, please see the list of DUGS to find the right person to contact. (Please note that the sheets are organized by college/school, noted in the bottom tabs.)