University Ombudsmen
The role of the University Ombudsman is to ensure that members of the University community are treated fairly by individuals, offices, committees, boards or any other group within the University.
The University Ombudsman will investigate a complaint only when approaches to the appropriate university officers or units appear to have failed.
If you are not sure what your options are, or if you wish to discuss your concerns in confidence, you may contact the Chief University Ombudsman.
If you have good reasons for not using the established appeals procedures that are in place, the University Ombudsman may also be able to help.
Contents
Chief University Ombudsman and University Ombudsmen
The University of New England has one Chief University Ombudsman and one or more University Ombudsmen, whose details are provided below.
All complaints should be lodged in writing to the Chief University Ombudsman, who may assign complaints to an individual University Ombudsman.
You may contact the Chief University Ombudsman on a confidential basis for advice before lodging a formal complaint.
Chief University Ombudsman
Emeritus Professor Aubrey Egan
| Email: | uniombud@une.edu.au |
University Ombudsmen
Associate Professor Peter Corrigan
Ms Alicia Zikan
Associate Professor Josie Fisher
Mr Andrew St. John-Brown
What does the University Ombudsman do?
The jurisdiction of the University Ombudsman is determined by the University Ombudsman Rule. Under this this rule, we
- Handle complaints within the University.
- Handle complaints only after all other avenues have been exhausted (except in special circumstances).
- Look at processes and procedures – not the decision reached (although we may comment on this – see The Final Report below).
- Undertake investigations only on receipt of a written request -- you can approach us for advice, but we won’t take the matter further unless requested in writing.
- Ensure CONFIDENTIALITY for all approaches.
What doesn't the University Ombudsman do?
The University Ombudsman does NOT
-
Handle complaints dealing with matters within academic jurisdictions (although we do look at academic processes and procedures).
-
Handle complaints that are too remote in time to justify investigation.
-
Handle complaints where there are other means of redress available.
-
Handle complaints that are frivolous, trivial, or not in good faith.
-
Act as a grievance mediation system. If you have a grievance, the first office to approach is the Equity Office.
The Investigation Process
- We need a written request to conduct a formal investigation.
- We provide a copy of the complainant’s statement to the person(s) against whom the complaint has been made.
- We have access to University records.
- We interview all staff and/or students relevant to the case.
- We will convene a meeting between the parties, if this is considered necessary.
- We report to the University through the Vice-Chancellor with recommendations that may be relative to the individual case or to the process and procedure in question.
- We inform the complainant and those who have assisted our investigation of our findings.
The Final Report will:
-
Include details of the initial request for investigation, findings of fact based on the subsequent investigation, and recommendations as appropriate.
-
Be sent to the UNE Vice-Chancellor or Chancellor as appropriate.
-
Make recommendations regarding University processes and procedures where necessary.
Remember, we don't question the decisions, but investigate whether appropriate processes and procedures are in place and whether these have been followed.
How and Where to Lodge a Complaint
Complaints to the Chief University Ombudsman should be lodged in writing:
Address:
Chief University Ombudsman
University Secretariat
Booloominbah S11
University of New England
Armidale, NSW, 2351
E-mail: