Office of the Ombudsperson

Welcome to the Office of the Ombudsperson

A place to talk. A space to be heard.

The Office of the Ombudsperson provides an independent, impartial, confidential, informal, and advisory service to students, faculty, and staff at Lakehead University.

University life can sometimes involve difficult situations, misunderstandings, or concerns about fairness. Whether you are unsure about a University decision, experiencing a conflict, trying to understand a policy, or simply need someone to listen, the Ombudsperson is available to help you explore your options.

You do not need a formal complaint or to know exactly what you want to do before contacting our Office.
Our role is to listen, provide information, help you understand University policies and procedures, and explore constructive approaches to addressing your concerns. We offer an impartial perspective and help individuals navigate University processes so they can make informed decisions about their next steps.

The Ombudsperson does not advocate for individuals or for the University. Our role is to support fairness, not to take sides.

What Can the Ombudsperson Do?

The Ombudsperson can:

• Listen to concerns in a private, non-judgmental setting.
• Help clarify issues and consider different perspectives.
• Explain University policies, procedures, responsibilities, and available options.
• Help individuals understand complaint and appeal processes.
• Suggest constructive approaches to difficult conversations or situations.
• Identify appropriate University departments, services, and community resources.
• Help individuals prepare for conversations with University decision-makers.
• Make informal inquiries or facilitate communication where appropriate, generally with informed consent.
• Identify potential procedural fairness concerns and suggest improvements to University practices.

What Can the Ombudsperson Not Do?

The Office of the Ombudsperson has no authority to make or overturn University decisions.

The Ombudsperson cannot:

• Act as a personal advocate, legal representative, or spokesperson.
• Require a Dean, instructor, department, or administrator to change a decision.
• Change grades, waive academic requirements, or grant academic exceptions.
• Conduct formal investigations or make findings of misconduct.
• Impose disciplinary action or sanctions.
• Replace established complaint, grievance, investigation, or appeal processes.
• Require University departments or individuals to follow our suggestions or recommendations.
• Provide legal advice, clinical counselling, or therapeutic services.
• Accept formal notice of complaints or legal proceedings on behalf of the University.

The Ombudsperson may raise fairness concerns and suggest possible approaches, but the appropriate University office or decision-maker retains the authority to make decisions. Your first contact should always be your Professor, Program Coordinator/Chair or Dean!

What Happens When You Contact Us?

Meeting with the Ombudsperson does not mean you are filing a complaint or asking the University to take action.
You can use our Office as a confidential space to talk through a situation, ask questions, and consider your options before deciding whether to take any further steps.

We will not ordinarily contact another individual or department about your situation without your informed consent, subject to the limits of confidentiality.

You remain in control of whether to pursue a formal process. The Ombudsperson also retains independent discretion about whether and how the Office can become involved.

You do not have to navigate a difficult situation alone, but you still decide how to proceed.

To make an appointment, contact ombudsperson@lakeheadu.ca or call 807-343-8010, extension 8061. Visit us at UC-2058.