Welcome
The Office of the Student Ombudsperson was established in 1968 by Edward Levi, then Provost of the University, to help students receive fair solutions to University-related concerns. The Student Ombudsperson and Associate Student Ombudsperson are part-time officials of the University of Chicago. They are appointed annually by the President to serve a one-year term at the pleasure of the President. The Ombudsperson and Associate Ombudsperson are officially members of and report directly to the Office of the President.
The Office of the Student Ombudsperson investigates specific grievances brought to the Office by students when the existing channels of communication or dispute resolution have proven unsatisfactory. The specific duties of the Ombudsperson and Associate Student Ombudsperson are: to determine the facts in each case; to refer complaints to the appropriate departments of the University; to suggest remedial steps in the settlement of a complaint; to work with the student and the administrator or faculty member in seeking a satisfactory resolution; and to call attention to any injustices and abuses of power or discretion. If, in the judgment of the Office of the Student Ombudsperson, any given case suggests a need for change to specific University rules, procedures, or policies, the Office will direct its recommendation to the appropriate policy making body.