About Us & Contact Information

The University of Kentucky Academic Ombud provides an independent confidential space for undergraduate, graduate, professional students and faculty to receive advice and guidance regarding any academic issue. Ombud staff help resolve conflicts by thinking creatively about solutions, empowers students with the tools to solve problems, and mediates between faculty and students to facilitate respectful communication. 

Ombuds may do the following: listen, make informal inquiries or otherwise review matters received, offer options, make referrals, and facilitate resolutions independently and impartially. In addition, each Ombuds Office serves as an information and communication resource, consultant, and catalyst for institutional change for its campus. 

The Academic Ombud's services do not replace normal processes and procedures at the University. The Academic Ombud works to facilitate communication and assist parties in reaching mutually acceptable, fair, and equitable resolutions that are consistent with the policies and regulations of the University. 

The Academic Ombud also reports general trends and provide feedback in the form of suggestions, reflections, and options; these recommendations are non-binding and are based on deep knowledge of the University. Ombuds will also advocate for systemic change when appropriate without disclosing confidential communications.

Informality

All meetings with the Academic Ombud are informal and confidential.  The process involves listening, exchanging information, identifying issues, providing guidance and, if appropriate, facilitating resolution. Due to the confidentiality inherent in communications with the Ombud, communication with this office does not constitute notice to the University of Kentucky. Visitors who wish to obligate the University to respond in any way must pursue alternative avenues; the Academic Ombud can provide information about these alternative avenues.

Confidentiality

All conversations with the Academic Ombud and staff are entirely confidential, to the extent permitted by law, and the Academic Ombud does not disclose the identity of visitors or the content of conversations unless the parties involved give permission to share information.

Neutrality

Academic Ombud Services does not advocate for students or for faculty, but will facilitate the resolution of any issues that may arise, in a manner that is fair and equitable for all parties.

Independence

Academic Ombud Services is independent of all University colleges, instructional, and administrative offices.