How We Can Help You

Our Role

The role of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Students is to serve as a confidential, impartial resource for students. The Ombuds Office offers a forum to listen to students’ concerns or challenges and to employ informal methods to resolve issues. Although a part of Rutgers University, the Ombuds Office is independent in its structure, function, and operations.

The office of the Ombudsperson for Students does not replace other departments or functions at Rutgers-New Brunswick. The Ombuds Office works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and departmental administrators.

Who We Serve

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students serves all Rutgers–New Brunswick students. We are unable to assist Rutgers Health, Camden, or Newark students unless the issue is related to the New Brunswick campus (e.g., taking a class on the New Brunswick campus).

  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate/Professional
  • Part-time
  • Full-time
  • Matriculating
  • Non-degree seeking
  • Student organizations

The Ombuds Office welcomes all students regardless of academic year, age, citizenship, class, color, disability, familial status, gender, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other identity. Any former, prospective, or current Rutgers-New Brunswick student may access the services of the office.

What To Expect

  • Review of operating principles – Confidential, Impartial, Informal, Independent
  • Discuss the purpose of the visit
  • Review what actions have been taken
  • Identify ideal outcomes
  • Explore options
  • Decide next steps
What We Do
  • Provide a safe, confidential environment to openly discuss concerns 
  • Listen without judgement
  • Seek to fully understand the issue(s) and needs through critical inquiry, asking clarifying questions, and identifying what actions have been taken
  • Tease apart complex and multi-layered issues to best advise visitors and 
  • Help visitors to critically analyze the issue(s) and generate and evaluate options for resolution
  • Empower and equip visitors with tools and information to resolve the issue on their own
  • Coach on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques
  • Assist with drafting communication or preparing for a difficult conversation
  • Discuss available informal and formal options
  • Help visitors to identify priorities and develop a plan of action 
  • Explain university policies and procedures
  • Act as an intermediary to enhance communication and understanding between parties 
  • Mediate disputes and facilitate discussions between university-affiliated individuals or groups
  • Refer or connect visitors to campus and community resources
  • Make recommendations for institutional improvements, including changes to policies, processes, practices that are unfair, unduly onerous, capricious, or in conflict with university values, policies, or laws
  • Provide training on conflict resolution, communicating effectively, and the role and services of the Office for the Ombudsperson for Students
  • Consult with instructors, department heads, organizational officers, student groups, and others
     
What We Don't Do
  • Take sides in a dispute
  • Compel participation or a response to communication efforts
  • Decide “what is best” for visitors
  • Serve as an advocate or representative in any informal or formal meeting
  • Participate in administrative or legal proceedings (unless required by law)
  • Conduct investigations
  • Provide legal advice or representation
  • Provide psychological counseling
  • Provide academic advice
  • Share your identity or related information without your consent (unless required by law)
  • Communicate on your behalf without your express authorization
  • Maintain records
  • Accept formal complaints or “notice” of legal or policy violations on behalf of the university
Common Issues
  • Help with understanding university policies and procedures
  • Arbitrary/inequitable application of policies
  • Failure to provide adequate due process
  • Unfair treatment
  • Challenges with University bureaucracy 
  • Conflicts with research advisors and/or committee members
  • Retaliation concerns
  • Communication challenges with instructors, advisors, departments, others
  • Grades
  • Safety concerns
  • Health challenges 
  • Unethical conduct
  • Interpersonal relationships (roommate, friendships, student-instructor)
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • General misunderstanding 
  • Bring issues to the attention of university officials without violating visitors’ confidentiality
  • Identify trends and patterns to inform the university administration about systemic issues.  
  • Any issue a student has not been able to resolve on their own or with the assistance of other university departments

Note: These are non-exhaustive lists.