Ombudsperson Information [Home]        
 

    This office was established in 1999 to further the University mission of excellence in graduate education. The office is available to all students with questions or concerns related to their graduate experience. The Ombuds Office provides confidential and informal assistance in resolving conflicts and promotes fair and equitable treatment within the University.

The Role of the Ombudsperson

    The Ombudsperson is a neutral, independent and confidential resource for graduate students at the University who helps to surface and resolve school issues. The Ombudsperson can also help to effect positive change by providing upward feedback on patterns of problems and complaints to appropriate senior officers.

What You Can Expect From the Ombuds Office

    The Ombudsperson listens to your concerns, clarifies procedures, discusses options and, when requested, may act as an intermediary. The Ombudsperson does not advocate for an individual. Rather, the Ombudsman advocates for a fair process. The Ombudsperson works to promote the University’s commitment to excellence in graduate education. The Ombudsperson will:

  • Listen to complaints and grievances
  • Help individuals candidly discuss issues and explore options
  • Open channels of communication
  • Serve as a neutral third party in conflict resolution
  • Work to achieve fair and equitable solutions to problems
  • Make referrals to appropriate University resources, so that you can go directly to the person
    who can best address your concerns
  • Suggest approaches for addressing and managing conflict
  • Collaborate with other University offices on issues of general concern
  • Help obtain interpretations of university policies
  • Offer recommendations for policy and procedure chances
    The Ombuds Office is unique because it provides confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and
flexibility when dealing with graduate student concerns. If you have any issues to discuss with the
University’s Ombudsperson, you can contact her at the following:
Joanne DeSiato
Ombudsperson
2103 Lee Building
301.405.3132 (TEL)
301.314.8386 (FAX)
jdesiato@gradschool.umd.edu
www.gradschool.umd.edu/Ombuds