Image of peers helping a classmate in understanding a topic​

Consultation

The ombuds will listen to concerns, help clarify goals and interests, and help develop options to move forward. The ombuds may also make referrals to different offices on campus, coach a student on how to prepare for a difficult conversation, or help clarify UCSB procedures and policies.

Schedule an appointment online or call us at (805) 893-3285.

We offer appointments via Zoom, phone, or in person—whatever works best for you.

How to prepare for your appointment

 

Common Concerns for Students:

  • Challenges communicating with a professor or TA
  • Concerns with grades and understanding policy/procedures
  • Class and group work conflict
  • Concerns within club/group/team dynamics
  • Uncertainty about policies or campus decisions
  • Student Employment Issues
  • Academic integrity or misconduct concerns
  • Feeling unheard or unfairly treated
  • General campus climate concerns
  • Referrals to resources

Additional Graduate Student Concerns:

  • Concerns with advisors
  • Publication and authorship concerns
  • Program requirements  

 

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Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary and informal process where two or more individuals come together to work out their differences with the help of an impartial mediator. Participants develop their own solutions to their conflict. An ombuds usually meets with each person individually beforehand.

 

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Workshops

The Ombuds Office offers tailored workshops on communication, team-building, and conflict resolution for clubs, societies, and organizations, as well as, brief overviews of our services.

Here is our training brochure to learn more about workshop offerings.
Please reach out to LanaSmithHale@ucsb.edu to discuss further.

 

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How We Work

The Office of the Ombuds is a confidential resource for students to discuss any University-related concern. Talking with the ombuds is informal and "off the record," meaning by disclosing something to the office, a student is not officially notifying the University of the issue. The ombuds is independent from other campus departments. The ombuds is also neutral, meaning they are not advocates for any person or group, or for the University. The ombuds works to promote fair and equitable processes.