Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office is a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent office on campus where members of the campus community can discuss issues they may be facing as a student, staff, or faculty member. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff, faculty, academic, administrative & operations units, and we appreciate your patience throughout this unusual time.

In light of mounting concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the KU Ombuds Office has moved to flexible working arrangements for our staff.  Going forward, the Ombuds Office services will be performed online via Skype or Zoom or by calling the office phone number provided.  This change will take place immediately and will continue until we receive new guidance from the University and government officials.

Request for appointments can be made via Ombuds email ombuds@ku.edu, phone 785-864-7261.

Please reach out to us if you are in need of our services. Take good care and please don’t forget to wash your hands.

 

 

"An Ear To The People"

Informal, Independent, Confidential, Neutral.

What Does "Ombuds" Mean?

The original word "ombudsman" has Scandinavian origins and was first used as a public office in Sweden. According to one scholar, the term refers to "a person who has an ear to the people." In American colleges and universities, the office is often referred to as an "agent for justice" within the complex institutional systems of higher education.

University Ombuds office is a safe place where members of the University of Kansas community can seek informal, independent, confidential and impartial assistance in addressing conflicts, disputes, or complaints on an informal basis without fear of retaliation or judgment.  The University Ombuds office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. (pdf)

 

 

The purpose of the Ombuds Office is to act as “an ear to the people” so every voice at The University of Kansas can be heard and receive impartial attention without fear of retaliation, loss of privacy, or judgment. The Ombuds Office assists students, staff, and faculty on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

Conversations with the Ombuds Office do not serve as "notice" to the University.