Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Office of the Student Ombudsperson, our services, and the procedure to follow.  If your questions is not answered, please feel free to contact us at (205) 348-7596 or via email.

• What is the Student Ombudsperson (SO) at the University of Alabama?
• What does the Student Ombudsperson do?
• What do I do before contacting the Ombudsperson?
• When do I visit the Office of the Student Ombudsperson?
• What happens when you go to the Office of the Student Ombudsperson?
• What sort of issues does the Student Ombudsperson handle?
• How do I contact the Student Ombudsperson?

What is the Student Ombudsperson (SO) at the University of Alabama?

• The University of Alabama is a large, complex organization with many policies and procedures.  As a result, you may encounter misunderstandings and may require assistance.  The SO works independently and acts as a third party, objective liaison between student and faculty, staff, and administration.  The SO works to resolve issues and complaints related to the work or learning environment by offering advising, negotiation, and information concerning University policy and procedure.

What does the Student Ombudsperson do?

• The SO seeks fair and equitable solutions to problems by handling complaints, providing information, serving as a consultant, or assisting in a referral to another campus office; listens to and provides feedback on questions; assists students to become empowered to resolve problems on their own; provides clarification of University procedures; mediates discussions between individuals or groups to achieve an equitable compromise; and recommends changes in policies or procedures when patterns become evident.

What do I do before contacting the Ombudsperson?

• Prior to contacting the SO, you should speak directly with the person who is involved with your concern and attempt to obtain a resolution.  Additional steps at resolving a problem may include contacting the department chair or head of the academic department or the director or associate director of that department or area.  (You may contact the Ombudsperson for advice and consultation prior to these steps if you are uncertain on how to proceed.)

When do I visit the Office of the Student Ombudsperson?

• Visit the SO when you are unsure about which rules, policies or procedures apply to your situation; when you need someone to help clarify a situation or circumstance affecting you; when you feel that a particular University policy or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously; when you require assistance; when you require assistance or information on an academic matter; when you require assistance or information on student matters such as loans, fees, or housing; when you feel that your learning has been adversely affected by an action of a member of faculty or administration; when you require someone to help facilitate communication between you and a member of the University community; or when you need someone to intervene on your behalf in order to achieve a solution to your problem.

What happens when you go to the Office of the Student Ombudsperson?

• The SO will provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment for you to discuss your concerns.  The SO will help you develop strategies and options for resolving your issues, as well as provide information to you regarding the University's policies and procedures.  You will be asked to complete a student fact sheet which will include a brief description of your issue.  The SO or the SGA secretary will arrange a time for an initial meeting where you will discuss your issues and your goals regarding the SO process.

What sort of issues does the Student Ombudsperson handle?

• The following are some of the most common issues that the SO deals with: academic grievances, accounts receivable, admissions and records, advising, collaboration with counseling center, grade disputes, international student issues, student/teacher conflicts, sexual harassment, discrimination concerns, financial aid, records and registration, housing, petitions for retroactive withdrawal, residency questions, student disability issues, and victims assistance.

How do I contact the Student Ombudsperson?

• To contact the University of Alabama Student Ombudsperson, cal (205) 348-7596.  If he/she is not available, please leave a voice mail message.  You can also email the ombudsperson using the email link at the top of this page. 

Office of the Student Ombudsperson

 

Ombudsperson: Lloria Munnerlyn

 

Located in the SGA Office Suite, Ferguson Center, Room 356

 

(205) 348-7596