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Ombudsperson

Fostering Fairness: Terms of Reference

The Office of the Ombudsperson aims to ensure fair practices, policies and decision-making for students. The Terms of Reference for the Office define its independence, authority and accountability within the University systems—and stipulate founding principles such as impartiality, accessibility, and confidentiality.

Recognizing the need to balance autonomy and collaboration, the Terms of Reference establish an Advisory Committee and special linkages with similarly-mandated offices across campuses. The Terms of Reference authorize the Office to informally resolve concerns, develop educational initiatives, and make recommendations aimed at improving fairness for students.

Download the terms of reference (PDF - 99kb)

A confidential and impartial resource for students


Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) have joined together to create an Ombudsperson Office for all students at Dalhousie. 

What an ombudsperson does:
 

  • Provides independent, impartial and confidential support to students who want to resolve any university-related concerns
  • Advises of rights and responsibilities, and procedures to follow to resolve university-related concerns
  • Facilitates discussions between appropriate university administrators
  • Makes referrals to appropriate offices and resources within the university

The ombudsperson will also make recommendations for changes in university policies and procedures based on trends and patterns they see. 

Examples of when you could reach out to the ombudsperson:
 

  • You want to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence, including:
    - Student and supervisor/instructor/professor relationships
    - Abuse of power, bullying, or unfair treatment
    - Fear of coming forward or of acting to stop unacceptable behaviour
  • You are unsure about which rules, policies or procedures apply to your situation
  • You feel that a particular rule or policy has been applied unfairly 
  • You feel that your learning has been affected by the conduct and behaviour of another person
  • You require someone to help facilitate communication between you and a university administrator 

Full list of university policies, procedures and guidelines

Ombudsperson Advisory Committee

An Ombudsperson Advisory Committee is composed of:

  • a designated chair
  • three members appointed by the DSU to include at least one graduate student and one student from the Carleton, Sexton or Truro campuses
  • the Vice-Provost, Student Affairs, or designate
  • the Manager of Discipline and Appeals, University Secretariat
  • one Associate or Assistant Dean, appointed by Deans’ Council
  • one member appointed by Senate
  • two members appointed by the Provost, from among the Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion (or designate), Indigenous Student Advisor, Black Student Advisor, General Counsel (or designate)
  • the Ombudsperson (non-voting)

The commmittee will exist to support strategic planning, and discuss trends and themes to make appropriate recommendations to the university. 

 

How to contact the ombudsperson:

Student Union Building
6136 University Ave.
4th Floor, Room 452
902-494-2665
ombuds@dal.ca