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Ombudsperson

Answering questions and ensuring effective resolutions

The Ombudsperson provides assistance to students who have encountered problems or conflicts within the university. Particularly problems not being adequately addressed through normal channels. The Ombudsperson may resolve problems through various methods, including making inquiries or referrals to the appropriate university department for review. The Ombuds empowers individuals to overcome disputes, conflicts and barriers that stand in the way of reaching their full potential.

FIU's Ombuds acts as a no-barrier, first-stop for students seeking guidance, information and insight from a trusted advisor who is:

INDEPENDENT - The ombuds office is independent in structure, function and appearance. It exists to present solutions and guidance independent of internal or external forces.

IMPARTIAL - The ombuds does not take sides, but works to address issues in a way that allows everyone involved in a dispute to be treated fairly and in good faith.

CONFIDENTIAL - The ombuds will protect your identity and the information you share.

INFORMAL - Visiting an ombuds doesn’t trigger a formal course of action. Engaging an ombuds is always “off the record.”

Contact

Sofia C. Trelles, Ph.D., CO-OP ®
Ombudsperson

Felipe R. Rodriguez, M.S. Ed. 
Senior Ombudsperson Case Coordinator

Office location: Graham Center 219, MMC
Email: Ombuds@fiu.edu
Phone: 305-348-2797 

The Ombudsperson does not provide services electronically and will request a meeting to best understand your circumstances. Scheduling an appointment is suggested.

Meeting with a member of the Ombuds team? 

Call 305-348-2797 to make in-person or Zoom appointments. 

Interested in our Micro-Credential?

Micro-Credentials are bite-sized educational experiences that build, validate and enhance your professionals skills. The Office of the Ombudsperson's Fundamental Conflict Management Techniques for Students Micro-Credential will help you build the foundation to think critically, problem solve, collaborate, communicate effectively, and listen actively. Earners of this Micro-Cred will be able to recognize and understand how conflict impacts their life.

Learn MoreEnroll Now!

What is an Ombudsperson?

The Ombudsperson can be the first resource when a student does not know where to get information for a particular situation; or as a last resort, when normal channels of communication have failed to bring resolution to a difficulty. The Ombudsperson can help students with the following:

  • Listen to your concerns
  • Clarify university policies and procedures
  • Answer questions concerning appropriate channels
  • Assist with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
  • Informally research the basis of your complaint
  • Provide referrals to individuals and/or department to appropriately address your concern
  • Explore and evaluate possible options available to resolve concerns
  • Recommend changes to university policy, rules, or procedures that are outdated, unclear, or ineffective
  • Open avenues of communication or facilitate conversations
  • Conduct informal mediations

View Frequently Asked Questions

Student complaint routes

The Ombudsperson should be utilized in situations where all areas of appeal have been exhausted or proven unsuccessful. Use the tool below to see how your complaints should be routed before seeking assistance from the Ombudsperson.

I have a complaint about...

Academics

Administrative services or employees

  • My complaint is about administrative services
    1. Contact the administrative office’s supervisor, unit manager or director with your complaint
    2. IF my problem is still not resolved
      • Contact the head of the unit’s division, (for example: the department of Campus Life falls within the Division of Academic & Student Affairs.)
  • My complaint is about an employee

    Contact the administrative office’s supervisor, unit manager or director with your complaint

    1. IF my problem is still not resolved
      • Contact the head of the unit’s division, (for example: the department of Campus Life falls within the Division of Academic & Student Affairs.)

Discrimination

Notice: Emailing the Ombudsperson creates a public record and comprises confidentiality. Communication with the Ombudsperson does not constitute a formal process to FIU of any complaint or grievance. The Ombudsperson will not guarantee confidentiality under the following conditions: a crime is witnessed or reported; there appears to be imminent harm to self or others; or matters involving minors.