Ombudsperson

Presentation requests

The Ombudsperson Office is happy to provide presentations and meet with groups and committees. Presentations include but are not limited to:

  • Information session on Ombudsperson Office and Fairness
  • Fairness and Bias
  • Conflict Management


To request a presentation, please contact ombuds@dal.ca.

Ombudsperson Advisory Committee

The Ombuds Advisory Committee is composed of 3 appointees by the Provost and three appointees from the Dalhousie Student Union and will operate via consensus decision-making.

The Ombuds Advisory Committee has the following functions:

  • To assist with hiring of the Ombudsperson by participating in the University search process,
  • To approve the Ombudsperson’s annual priorities and deliverables, and provide direction where required,
  • To review, with the Ombudsperson, semester and annual reports to discuss statistics, trends, and themes, and to make any appropriate recommendations arising out of such reports,
  • To support the Ombudsperson with strategic planning for the office,
  • To find sustainable funding and set the budget for the operation of the Office of the Ombudsperson in consultation with the Ombudsperson,
  • To make arrangements for office space,
  • To advise the Provost regarding the operations of the Office of the Ombudsperson,
  • To review and report to the Provost on the operations and effectiveness of the office after the second Annual report,
  • Provide information about unfamiliar areas of the university and its community.

A confidential and impartial resource for students


The Ombudsperson Office recognizes that within Dalhousie there are different levels of power and privilege between us that influence how we work with one another. The Ombudsperson is committed to educating the community and will endeavour to find ways to work together that recognize and challenge inequalities.

The Ombudsperson Office is available to all Dalhousie students for free, confidential, impartial, and independent support to help resolve any university-related concerns. It does not advocate for individual students/groups, or the university involved in a disagreement. The office works with students, faculty, and staff to ensure just, fair, and equitable treatment of every student, and to support the reasonable resolution of complaints rather than assign blame to one party.

The Ombudsperson makes recommendations when trends, patterns, policies, or procedures of the university generate concerns or conflicts and promotes discussion on institution-wide concerns to support the interest of all parties and the experience of students at Dalhousie University.

What does the Ombudsperson do?

  • Provides general resource information and makes appropriate referrals
  • Identifies and explains relevant university processes/policies
  • Works with students to explore and strategize options for problem-solving
  • Empowers students to deal directly and effectively with their concerns
  • Facilitates discussions and makes inquiries for clarification to seek resolution
  • Gives sound and practical advising
  • Listens and provides an objective perspective

What the Ombudsperson does not do

  • Act as an advocate; an Ombudsperson must remain impartial
  • Replace existing resources or channels for resolution
  • Intervene where a formal process (appeal, grievance, legal proceeding) has been commenced or overturn/influence decisions
  • Provide counselling or legal advice
  • Decide who is right or wrong
  • Change decisions, policies, or regulations; Ombudsperson can only make recommendations
  • Receive complaints, intervene, or assist in matters unrelated to the University

Types of issues the Ombudsperson deals with

  • Student and supervisor/instructor/professor relationships
  • Abuse of power, bullying, or unfair treatment
  • Unsure about which rules, policies, or procedures applicable to your situation
  • Concern that a particular rule or policy has been applied unfairly
  • Facilitate communication between you and a university administrator, or student

When to reach out to the Ombudsperson

  • You are not sure where to go or how to get your concern or problem addressed
  • Are in an appeal process and need help understanding the process
  • Have a conflict or problem and need help resolving
  • Believe you have been treated unfairly
  • Need clarification on your rights and responsibilities as a student

 

For more information, please see the FAQ page.

Contact the Ombudsperson for in-person, phone, or virtual (Microsoft Teams) appointments:

Phone: 902-494-2665
ombuds@dal.ca
Student Union Building, rm. 452

Agricultural Campus
Virtual appointments available

Sexton Campus (Melda Murray Centre)
Every Wednesday, 9 a.m.–noon

International Centre (LeMarchant Place)
Every Tuesday, 9 a.m.–noon

Office of the Ombudsperson Annual Reports

View or download the following annual reports [PDF]: