Editorial: Academic Omsbud missing

Trying to resolve an academic problem at John Carroll University can be a confusing and difficult process. While some universities and colleges rely on the position of an ombuds to address these types of issues, JCU has never employed someone to fulfill this duty. Although the University has plans to hire an ombuds who will strictly address students, faculty and administrators with non-academic problems, the University has not considered an ombuds to deal with students’ grades.

At Canisius College, the academic ombuds is a neutral person that helps resolve issues concerning students’ grades or conflicts that have arisen in classrooms. This person also helps to identify and evaluate options. Creating an academic ombuds position at JCU would be a great addition to academics and help create an unbiased liaison between students and faculty.
The administration should consider the benefits of employing an academic ombuds and look to add this position to the staff in the future. Also, the need to contest or appeal a grade should be included in all class syllabi.

In order for a student to fix an academic conflict at JCU, he or she should first go to the professor. But, if the student cannot resolve the issue with the professor, he or she must then go to the department chair.

If all else fails, the student must then take the issue up with the dean of the school and possibly a faculty committee. No where is there neutral person to listen to the students. However, having an ombuds would give students a voice in addressing their own issues.
The student could directly report to the ombuds who could then informally address the issue. Students would feel more comfortable knowing that their concerns would be handled confidentially and objectively.

The ombuds is definitely a productive means to facilitate healthy communication between students, faculty and administrators and would prove to be an asset on the JCU campus.