By Communications Staff

The university is proposing to redefine the Office of Dispute Resolution as the Office of the Ombudsperson. The proposed change aims to clarify the role of the office, giving it increased independence from administrative structures and strengthening its relationship to the Senate and Board of Trustees.

“Repositioning the Dispute Resolution Office as an Office of the Ombudsperson would elevate the visibility of the service and better support Queen’s commitment to the just, fair and equitable treatment of each and every member of the university community,” says University Secretary Lon Knox.

The Office of the Ombudsperson would fulfill the responsibilities currently carried out by the Office of Dispute Resolution. The ombudsperson, however, would have a broader mandate with resources sufficient to meet the growing demands for assistance with dispute resolution needs.

The ombudsperson would have the ability to receive any university-related inquiry or concern from any member of the Queen’s community. However, the ombudsperson would not have the ability to intervene in any matters covered by a collective agreement employment policy or employment legislation without the consent of all interested parties.

The Office of the Ombudsperson would be accountable to the Senate and Board of Trustees through the submission of annual reports and would be an official observer at both governing bodies. An advisory committee comprised of student leaders and university administrators would provide guidance and support to the ombudsperson.

More information about the role of the proposed Office of the Ombudsman and its relationship with other offices on campus is available on the University Secretariat website. Faculty, staff and students can submit their feedback by email no later than March 7.