Our Mission
Need someone to listen to your concerns about a university-related situation? Unsure about a policy or procedure on main campus or at an affiliate? Need help resolving a conflict?
The Office of the Ombudsperson provides a safe, confidential environment in which students can discuss a University-related problem or concern. We work with students to help identify the root of the problem and create strategies for resolving it. In situations where there is no further recourse, we may investigate or review a decision and may recommend a remedy. However, the recommendations of the Ombudsperson are not binding.
A key aspect of the Office of the Ombudsperson is its impartiality. We are not a student advocacy office, but we're also not an advocate for the University. We are an independent ear when you aren't sure what to do.
The Office is open to all students from all faculties and campuses who have concerns relating to any part of university life. Even if we can’t help you, we can guide you to someone who can. We do not share your personal information without your permission unless the health and safety of you or another person are at risk. The Office of the Ombudsperson abides by the Standards of Practice of the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons (ACCUO).
We also encourage administrators and faculty members to contact us when they have a question about the fairness of a student-related decision or any other student situation.
What we CAN do:
- Listen to concerns
- Identify and explain relevant Western policies and procedures
- Discuss the pros and cons of the next steps
- Provide conflict management strategies
- Give students the tools to advocate for themselves
- Use informal channels to solve problems
- Help faculty and staff who work with students evaluate the fairness of a decision
What we CAN'T do:
- Take sides
- Act as an official office of complaints for the University
- Address concerns unrelated to the University
- Provide legal advice or counseling services
Respectful Communication and Behaviour
The Office of the Ombudsperson at Western University is here to support students through tough times and concerns. We help you understand your options, explain policies and processes, and offer a confidential space to discuss issues when you're unsure where to turn. It's important to communicate respectfully so we can effectively assist you.
We know that coming to the Office often means you're having a difficult day. You might feel upset, frustrated, hurt, worried, confused, or angry because of what you've experienced.
While we understand these feelings, certain behaviors are unacceptable. We do not tolerate violence, discrimination, harassment, or any abusive conduct.
Unacceptable Conduct
Unacceptable conduct includes:
- Threats or attempts to intimidate staff
- Degrading, obscene, vulgar, sexually suggestive, or threatening language
- Discriminatory comments
- Requests for personal contact or information unrelated to the complaint
- Undue aggression or hostility
- Abusive use of the Ombuds Office, like filing repetitive complaints or sending numerous communications about the same issue
Handling Unacceptable Conduct
Unacceptable conduct doesn't mean your concerns aren't valid, but it affects how we interact with you.
If a visitor shows unacceptable conduct, the Ombudsperson will discuss the behavior with them and explain why it's unreasonable. The visitor will have a chance to address the behavior and decide how to move forward.
If the behavior continues, the visitor will receive a written warning outlining the unacceptable behavior, the agreement made with the Ombudsperson, and how it was breached. The warning will suggest alternative support options and explain that continued unacceptable behavior will result in losing access to the Ombuds Office.
NOTE: Terminating access is a last resort, only considered after all efforts to work safely and respectfully with the individual have been made. If staff safety is threatened, Western Special Constables will be contacted.
