Role of the Ombudsperson

Role of the Ombudsperson

At Santa Monica College, the Ombudsperson:

• Listens to your concern.
• Investigates your complaint if you so desire.
• Gathers information on your behalf.
• Explains campus policies.
• Explains the grade appeal process.
• Acts as a neutral resource between student and faculty member.
• Facilitates communication between and among individuals.
• Counsels faculty to minimize potential conflict.
• Offers information on grade appeal prevention to students and faculty.
• Refers individuals to others as appropriate.
• Acts as an informal resource to students, faculty, and staff.

At Santa Monica College, the Ombudsperson does not:

• Change grades.
• Change policies.
• Take sides, but rather tries to bring harmony between differing points of view.
• Identify individuals without permission, except as required by law.
• Take part in formal grievance processes.