DMACC Student Handbook: Policies & Procedures

Ombudsperson Responsibilities

(Educational Services Procedure 4620)

The Campus Ombudsperson is an individual employed by the College to work with the students and instructors to provide information and support regarding institutional policies and procedures such as ES 4640 Student Complaints Concerning Faculty/Staff Actions, ES 4645 Discrimination Complaint Procedure for Students, ES 4650 Petition for Policy Waiver, and ES 4660 Appeal of Final Grade Procedure. The Ombudsperson seeks to maintain confidentiality, neutrality and independence. The Campus Ombudsperson is appointed by the administrator in charge of student services at each campus. A list of ombudspersons and their contact information can be found on page 38.

Students and instructors seeking advice about the above policies and procedures are to be referred to the Campus Ombudsperson. It is the responsibility of the Campus Ombudsperson to explain relevant College policies, procedures, and problem-solving alternatives. The Ombudsperson can also serve as an impartial and objective listener to help students and instructors evaluate problems and decide what action they want to take.

The Ombudsperson can gather information about a complaint in order to generate options for resolution. If a student decides to file an appeal, the Ombudsperson can provide suggestions on how to prepare and can review documentation for completeness. The Campus Ombudsperson cannot provide legal advice, render judgments, make decisions on complaints, or represent students or instructors in formal hearings. The Ombudsperson from the respective campus may attend the College Review Board meeting as an observer only to provide clarification of the proceedings to the student.

For more information, visit the Ombudsperson page.