Office of the Ombudsperson

The role of the ombudsperson is to ensure that every member of the Mount Holyoke College community receives fair and equitable treatment within all areas of the College. The ombudsperson provides support and assistance to people who believe themselves to be injured or aggrieved in matters stemming from possible incidents of racism, sexual harassment, and other forms of discrimination and harassment that are in violation of the College's policy on human rights.
The office's services are independent and confidential. The ombudsperson is empowered to investigate complaints and to facilitate, mediate, conciliate, or negotiate their fair resolution. The ombudsperson considers all sides of a question or complaint in an informal and objective way to help resolve problems and concerns as expeditiously as possible. The office's autonomy makes it possible for the ombudsperson to facilitate change and elicit full cooperation of all members of the College community.
A student should consult the ombudsperson if she perceives:

• discrimination or unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap
• sexual or racial harassment by a College employee
• unfair or erroneous application of any College policy, procedure, or regulation
• unfair or inequitable treatment by a College employee
• a need for assistance in resolving a concern
• a need to release intense emotions

This is but a partial list of reasons, and students should feel free to contact the ombudsperson whenever there is uncertainty about what to do or where to go with a problem. All matters brought to the ombudsperson are treated confidentially, and no action will be taken without the consent of the complainant. The Office of the Ombudsperson is in 5 Safford Hall, and appointments can be made by calling x2413.

For more information visit Office of the Ombudsperson online or email a representative at our office (X2413).