Staff members in the Office of the Ombudsman extend a warm welcome to new students and their families. This is an exciting time for you as you begin your studies at NIU, and we hope you enjoy the diverse cultural and educational experiences available to you in your new community.

You will find that NIU is a large and complex institution. Expectations for student responsibility are much higher than in high school. It is advisable that you become familiar with information provided in the Undergraduate Catalog, as well as the information and calendar deadlines listed in the Schedule of Classes booklet for each semester. It also is recommended that you communicate with your academic adviser on a regular basis.

Students and family members occasionally have questions about university policies or procedures and do not always know where to get help. If you need such information, contact the Office of the Ombudsman for assistance. It is one of many helpful resources available on campus, and the free services of the office are available to everyone.

Staff members in the office can offer confidential guidance and assistance if you feel a concern is not being adequately or appropriately addressed. They will listen to you and assess your situation, explain pertinent policies and procedures, identify your available options and help you to develop strategies that have proven effective in achieving resolution in similar situations. They also can direct you to individuals authorized to make policy exceptions in certain extenuating circumstances.

Typical issues brought to the attention of the ombudsman include class issues, grade appeals, disciplinary matters, housing or roommate concerns and interpersonal problems. Parents or other relatives of students are welcome to contact the office to explore strategies for addressing concerns or circumstances shared with them by a student. The sooner you contact the Office of the Ombudsman, the more options will be available for resolution of your concern.

The ombudsman is independent of the university’s formal administrative structure and maintains an impartial and objective point of view toward the resolution of university concerns. The ombudsman does not advocate for individuals or impose solutions, but is an alternative campus source of information and advice for a fuller understanding of university policies and procedures. Should advocacy be desired, referrals can be made to others who serve in that role. The office does not provide legal advice, and communication with the Office of the Ombudsman does not constitute legal notice to the university.

We hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer and are looking forward to becoming a member of our community. Please do not hesitate to visit us at Holmes Student Center, Room 601, if you have any questions, or you can call us at 753-1414 for an appointment. During the summer, we are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 the rest of the year). You also are encouraged to visit the office Web site at www.niu.edu/ombud for additional information.