What the ombudsman can and cannot do
The ombudsman allows existing self-regulatory mechanisms to run their course, and intervenes only when existing recourses have been exhausted or cannot be exercised.
The ombudsman can:
- listen in objectivity and without bias;
- provide further information on regulations, issues, and implications of different situations;
- investigate to understand facts and points of view;
- prevent or resolve a situation in which principles of equity may not have been respected;
- participate in the resolution process for mutual satisfaction;
- provide recommendations to improve student file management practices;
- follow up on recommendations with relevant authorities.
The ombudsman cannot:
- act as a legal representative or advisor;
- act as a substitute in university administration;
- intervene when the situation is the subject of legal recourse or when external proceedings have been initiated;
- process requests that are not relevant to the UdeS.
How is the ombudsman's role different from that of legal counsel?
An ombudsman is an impartial party, not a lawyer. As a general rule, an ombudsman works with institutional policies and procedures rather than the law. There is no fee for using the services of a university ombudsman. The ombudsman does not provide legal advice, counseling or advocacy.