Office of the Student Ombuds
The Office of the Student Ombuds provides a neutral, impartial, and confidential environment for students to voice concerns related to life at The University of Texas at Austin, and provides information and assistance to students who have University-related questions or complaints. The student ombuds functions in an independent and informal manner to help students discover options for effective problem solving and conflict resolution. The office identifies and provides recommendations to the University regarding systemic issues. The student ombuds is an advocate for fair and equitably administered processes and does not side with individuals or the University. The office helps the University uphold the institutional core values and the honor code.
The Office of the Student Ombuds:
- Provides students with information, referrals, and assistance with appropriate processes for addressing University-related concerns.
- Helps students receive expeditious, fair, and impartial treatment.
- Provides students with voluntary conflict management for disputes and concerns related to student life at the University, both academic and nonacademic. This includes identification of options, policy clarification, conflict coaching, mediation, training, and other conflict resolution or consultative services as appropriate.
The student ombuds respects the confidentiality and privacy of all persons except with expressed permission, or as required by law, or when there is a perceived imminent risk of serious harm. The Office of the Student Ombuds does not maintain identifying records and it asserts privilege with regard to the identity of visitors and their concerns. The office is not an agent of notice and does not receive notice for the University.