Questions & Answers About Academic Ombud Services

• Works with all those engaged in the teaching and learning activities of the university, including students in all undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, TA's, and RA's, as well as full-time and part-time faculty.
• Provides a safe, neutral, and confidential setting in which to ask questions, discuss problems and seek assistance with academic-related conflicts and disputes.
• Explains university policy and procedures and how they apply in particular situations.
• Investigates student grievances and complaints.
• Works to resolve problems for which no clear procedure exists.
• Seeks alternative means to achieve equitable solutions.
• Advocates for fair processes and their equitable application.
• Recommends changes in policies and procedures to better ensure fairness in the teaching and learning enterprise.

Issues related to student academic rights and problems concerning the commission of academic integrity issues including, but not limited to:

• Grade disputes
• Admission/registration problems
• Academic issues related to disciplinary matters
• Perceived favoritism
• Fear of retaliation
• Charges of and sanctions resulting from cheating and plagiarism or other academic offenses
• Disability accommodation issues
• Cross-cultural misunderstandings and personality conflicts

University of Kentucky's Academic Ombud is a respected member of the academic community who holds tenure in the faculty. The Ombud is appointed by and reports directly to the University Provost. Academic Ombud Services functions independently of all colleges and instructional programs throughout the university and works effectively across traditional lines of authority and responsibility to facilitate resolution of the most complex problems.

• If you suspect, but are not certain, that a problem exists.
• If you know a problem exists but don't know how to address it.
• If your efforts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful.

Academic Ombud Services can:

• Open new lines of communication.
• Conduct an informal investigation.
• Forward cases to the UK Appeals Board.
• Discuss the merits of a case with appropriate officials.
• Encourage and facilitate use of different perspectives.

Academic Ombud Services cannot:

• Change a grade or waive a requirement.
• Change policies or rules.
• Release a financial obligation.
• Testify at hearings.

University Senate Rule 6.2.1.6 provides that “the Ombud shall not violate the rights of students or other parties involved in cases brought to the Ombud through the disclosure of any information communicated in confidence.” Academic Ombud Services takes seriously this responsibility to ensure that personal and official information provided by and about faculty, staff, and students is not communicated to third parties without the consent of the individuals concerned. For example, Academic Ombud Services will not disclose to an instructor the student’s identity without the student's consent.  The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm, or by court order.

Academic Ombud Services' responsibility to protect confidential information is, however, subject to disclosure requirements imposed by law. Title IX requires that, if Academic Ombud Services receives a complaint related to an alleged violation involving Sexual Harassment and Discrimination or Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence, this Office must refer the complaint to the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity (IEEO) for investigation. If an individual wishes to make a confidential report that is not required to be referred to the IEEO, the individual may contact the University’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP Center), University Counseling Center, or University Health Services (students).

Academic Ombud Services is dedicated to confidentiality. You need not talk to the Ombud when calling our office. The Associate Academic Ombud receives all phone calls to our office (859-257-3737) and is prepared to handle such cases discreetly.  You may also email the Associate Academic Ombud at laura.anschel@uky.edu. The Associate Ombud will provide you with an Alternate Ombud as needed.

Our office hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Telephone and email inquiries are appropriate. Often, speaking with the well-qualified and helpful office staff can resolve a problem and an appointment with the Ombud might not be necessary.