The interim Ombudsperson is Dr. William Kennedy

Email: wkennedy@mtu.edu
Tel: 906-487-2046

The "Office of the Ombudsperson"

It provides any member of the academic faculty, students, and non-unionized staff with a fair and effective means of stating a complaint to an impartial person who has investigative powers.

Along with the authority to investigate any complaint, the office has the authority to dismiss any complaint, with or without a hearing, subject to the responsibility of stating reasons for such dismissal to the complainant. The office has no power to change any decisions; it can only investigate and persuade.

Members of the academic faculty having a grievance must be allowed to present it. The ombudsperson shall attempt to conciliate the matter informally. At any point in the process, the complaint may be dismissed.

The office may point out violation of justice and due process within the institution against the individual, or vindicate reasonable decisions. It cannot make "policy" decisions but can make suggestions on the basis of its findings. It should function to bridge any "communications gap" - the source of much friction in institutional governance. It should be viewed not as a first step in a dispute resolution process; it should be viewed as a means to obviate the need for formal appeal proceedings.

In carrying out the responsibilities of the office, the ombudsperson is independent of the normal line and staff organization below the President's office and is accorded a fraternal status to the President.

Contact: telephone 487-2891

E-MAIL:peckcho@mtu.edu

Links to Grievance Procedure, MTU Faculty Handbook

Links to Ombudsperson, MTU Faculty Handbook

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