COLUMN: Ombudsman here to serve students
“Um … what? What the heck is the Ombudsman Committee, and what is this Soapbox thing they’re doing today?” Maybe you have seen the ombudsman table in the Taggart Student Center on your way to the Hub, or maybe you have noticed the plastic ombudsman sleeves in various buildings on campus and have asked yourself this same question.
If you are reading this article with a dumbfounded look on your face because ‘ombudsman’ is not a part of your everyday vocabulary, and you find yourself curiously stewing over its meaning, then join the majority of students who probably have a similar look when they read or hear about ombudsman, and continue reading.
Ombudsman means “citizen protector.” It was first established in Sweden in 1809 as a government agency responsible for hearing complaints and grievances of the citizens. The idea of having an ombudsman spread to many national governments. In 1966 the first ombudsman was established on an American campus. Today there are hundreds of university ombudsmen providing services for students in the United States.
We too at USU have an ombudsman to serve its students. The ombudsman and Ombudsman Committee work effectively each week to answer questions, resolve concerns, hear suggestions and help students find solutions to their problems regarding topics such as:
•financial aid
•housing
•university policies
•food services
•admissions
•parking
•bookstore
•student health
•computer labs
•other student services
The Ombudsman Committee is always looking for fun and innovative ways to solicit students’ concerns and opinions, and we think we’ve found a good way to do that. Today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the TSC patio we are holding the first ever “Soapbox” at USU. What is the Soapbox? It is an activity consisting of a box, a microphone and a crowd. You can sit and listen or you can stand and speak your mind. We have heard this type of activity has been extremely popular at other universities, and we know it will be here at USU as well.
If you feel like complaining about girlfriends, boyfriends, university policies, Logan, classes, roommates or if you just like to spout off, then come and have at it. The only regulation we have is if you get booed off the stage, then get off. We’ll give you free reign over the microphone for two minutes or 20 minutes – it’s all up to you. Oh, and if this weren’t enough motivation, if you come talk we’ll give you a free coupon for a slice of bread from Hazels. In fact, if you even fill out an ombudsman form today, outlining a concern you may have and bring it to the TSC, Room 340, we’ll still give you a free bread coupon.
Have you ever had questions, concerns, problems or suggestions and not known where to go with them? Ombudsman is really your way as a student to effectively resolve any concerns or grievances you have and help improve and build upon this great university. Please come to the Soapbox today, visit me in the TSC, Room 340, send me an e-mail at stevekindred@cc.usu.edu, or give me a call at 797-1720 if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. The Ombudsman Committee is excited to help you out. Our motto on the Ombudsman Committee is quite simple, but it’s very pertinent: “The world’s too happy – complain.”