Frequently Asked Questions

Listen to you and discuss your concerns, issues and questions
Help you evaluate various options available to address your concerns
Answer university-related questions or help you to find others who can
Help you to understand the reasons behind various University policies and procedures
Facilitate communication between members of the Michigan Tech academic community
Advise you about steps that you might take to resolve problems informally
Advise you about formal and administrative options for resolving disputes
Mediate disputes between members of the campus community to seek "win-win" resolution of problems
Make appropriate referrals when informal options don't work
Periodically point out patterns of concerns to the university president for purposes of continuous improvement

When you feel you have been treated unfairly or that an expressed concern has been ignored
When you have a situation requiring negotiation or help in facilitating communication with another person associated with Michigan Tech
When you are unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply in your situation
When you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously or that two policies conflict and leave you in a “Catch 22” situation
When you have a concern about an office, a service, or a decision at Michigan Tech
When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue
When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a university-related problem you are experiencing

By carefully listening to you and helping you to analyze the situation and evaluate your options
By researching and explaining relevant university policies, procedures, and problem-solving channels
By mediating disputes between members of the Michigan Tech community
By initiating non-adversarial, problem-solving discussions with other involved parties (only with your permission)
By making referrals to other campus and community resources
By striving to help students, staff, and faculty receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system

No. The Ombuds Office will advise you of your rights within the university, but cannot and does not provide legal advice.

The Ombuds Office does not address disputes between members of the campus community and any private individual or individuals, companies or organizations not affiliated with Michigan Technological University. Additionally, the Ombuds Office does not handle or participate in any formal grievance procedures, or legal issues of any kind.
The Ombuds Office does not involve itself in issues specifically addressed by collective bargaining agreements for employees who are represented by labor unions.
Additionally, the Ombuds Office does not handle or participate in any formal grievance procedures, or legal issues of any kind