University Ombudsperson Norma Barrett highlights her term’s accomplishments in maintaining University fairness.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson (OUO) released Barrett’s 2023-24 annual report on March 27 at Senate. The report, covering the period between Aug. 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024, details Barrett and her office’s initiatives in changing systemic structures of the University, policy reviews, and other accomplishments throughout the previous academic year. Barrett assumed her role last October.
The Ombudsperson, under the oversight of Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) Stephanie Simpson, is responsible for ensuring procedural fairness in University-wide decision-making by consulting with community members about their rights, providing guidance, and reviewing decision making procedures.
The report highlighted four themes throughout the year: change, challenge, adaptability, and growth.
Users of OUO services like academic appeals including students, staff, parents, faculty, and alumni decreased by 5.9 per cent over 2023-24 from the previous academic year. There was a total of 181 individuals served regarding their concerns in relation to academic appeals, academic integrity, and inquiries about courses or programs.
Significant challenges faced by the office included a decrease in key staff members and staffing resources in addition to the establishment of the University Culture Committee (UCC) in June 2023. The formation of the UCC resulted in the OUO overcoming changing relationships, now mandated to report to the Board of Trustees through the UCC rather than the Audit and Risk Committee.
The report additionally emphasizes strain from lowered resources with increasingly complicated complaints to the office including academic concerns and requirements to withdraw in the event a student fails to meet program requirements.
Barrett highlighted OUO’s work in creating formal reports to improve systemic fairness in two faculties following discussions with students: the Graduate Supervision Handbook and Graduate Supervision policy.
For the 2024-25 year, the OUO aims to develop training modules to teach University fairness in decision-making, strengthening collaboration with members of the Queen’s community, conduct internal case assessment and data collection reviews in addition to supporting policy development, with a focus on academic integrity, accommodations, and consideration.
Tags
academic appeals, Office of the University Ombudsperson, procedural fairness
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