Ombudsperson

Who Is the Ombudsperson
Vickie Tolbert, serves as campus Ombudsperson. You can contact her by phone at 312.567.3081, by e-mail at tolbert@iit.edu, or by stopping by the Office of Student Affairs, Room 209 in the McCormick Tribune Campus Center.

What is an Ombudsperson
om•buds•per•son (om' budz púr' sen) n. - A person appointed to investigate facts and assist in achieving fair settlement of complaints brought by a student at the University against persons at all levels within the University's Main Campus.

What does the Ombudsperson Do
The Ombudsperson is dedicated to assisting students experiencing problems with any administrative department of the University's Main Campus by considering problems promptly, confidentially and fairly. The Ombudsperson works to achieve a fair resolution of disputes. The Ombudsperson works to protect the rights of all parties involved and is committed to justice and fair treatment of all students on the Main Campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

What kinds of problems can the Ombudsperson help me with?
Contact the Ombudsperson if you:

have a problem at IIT and don't know how to proceed
find yourself entangled in bureaucratic redtape
need information about IIT policies or procedures
need someone to help resolve or mediate an IIT related dispute
feel that you have been treated unfairly

The Ombudsperson does not handle disputes involving discrimination. Any Student who believes that he or she has received inequitable treatment because of a discrimination violation should communicate, either in writing or in person, with their Campus Affirmative Action Officer.

Campus Affirmative Action Officer - Main Campus, Candi Miranda, Room 224 - Perlstein Hall
Campus Affirmative Action Officer - Downtown Campus, Room 320

Why Use the Services of an Ombudsperson
The Ombudsperson will, without taking sides, help to resolve problems and conflicts especially those that are not being adequately addressed through regular channels. At your first meeting she will ask you to complete a form providing her with your contact information and a description of your problem. Please feel free to complete this form prior to your meeting. You may bring it with you or fax it to her at 312.567.8917.

In the rare event that resolution between the parties cannot be achieved, the Ombudsperson may refer the complaint to the Administrative Appeals Boad.

Ombudsperson Form

The Ombudsperson is:

ACCESSIBLE - The Ombudsperson will work with all members of the University community.
INDEPENDENT - The Ombudsperson reports directly to the Dean of Students.
NEUTRAL - The Ombudsperson will not take sides in an issue or dispute. She will assist in defining the problem, exploring options, or referring someone to the appropriate university personnel or office.
CONFIDENTIAL - Services of the Ombudsperson are confidential upon request except in cases of serious threat to life or property.

Last modified: 02/11/2013 18:31:30