TOM DIFFILYSTUDENT OMBUDSMAN
For those of us who are lost, confused, misused, and abused by the bureaucracy hope still awaits!
In recent times, there has been a growing concern for the plight of the individual at universities across
the country. This has largely been due to the increased size and complexity in its bureaucratic structure. Con
sequently, many complaints have been launched neglect, abuse and arbitration in both academic
about
and administrative affairs.
In response to
this,
many canipuses,
an
office has been created
including URI,
to
help
on
minimize
these
problems inherent within the system. The Om budsman's Office has been established to assist and advise students, and any other member of the Uni versity community who may have a grievance or
problem
What
authority
does the Ombudsman have?
On this campus the Ombudsman
clarify
can:
all
by interviewing parties and conducting
matters
concerned
search.
investigate, mine the
mediate
in
confidence,
to
deter
validity of the complaint.
or
resolve the
problem and conflicting
suggest compromises in situations.
help
insure that
one
is
receiving
due
process.
give needed advice and direction. make recommendations, aimed at reducing problems in academic and administrative
procedures.
So the next time red tape has got you tangled up and you are wandering through the Union, wan
der dov/nstairs and check
out
the Student As
sistant to the Ombudsman in Room 111. It may
prove to be
a
worthwhile visit.
within the bureaucratic
structure at
URI.
The office, established in 1972, includes two mem bers, the University Ombudsman and the Student Assistant to the Ombudsman. Jean Houston, pro fessor of'Nursing, is the University Ombudsman
for 1976-1978. She is located in
Fogarty Hall,
Rm.
128. Tom Diffily is the Student Assistant to the Om budsman for 1976--1977, and can be found in Rm. Ill of the Memorial Union.
The fact that there is a student in this position is of great significance. The "student" is the integral part of the University. Also, it is vital that a student have trust and confidence in the Ombudsman. It may be more preferable for a student to seek out another student for whatever the reasons may be. The student Ombudsman many times has the insight into a stu dent's problem that a faculty member may not be able to see. The balance of the two perspectives en hances the prospects of better dealing with the case. It is important that there is an option, and both the Ombudsman and his Student Assistant share equal
authority.