Office of the Ombudsperson
An ombudsperson provides confidential and informal assistance for resolving university-related concerns, independent of the university's formal administrative structure, and will consider all sides of an issue in a neutral manner.
Due to COVID restrictions, the Office of the Ombudsperson will be available for Microsoft Teams meetings from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. We look forward to speaking with you. Please email ombuds@niu.edu for an appointment.
What We Will Do
We'll give you the opportunity to discuss and resolve problems outside of formal channels. The ombudsperson will:
- Listen to you.
- Provide information that relates to your situation.
- Suggest courses of action.
- Mediate.
- Facilitate "difficult" conversations.
- Help you find a path forward.
- Help you understand policies and procedures that apply to you.
What We Don't Do
While the NIU ombudsperson provides an effective and valuable service, they cannot do certain things, including:
- Give legal advice.
- Conduct formal investigations.
- Change rules, policies or procedures.
Contact Us
Holmes Student Center, 6th Floor
815-753-1414
ombuds@niu.edu
Hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(other times by appointment)