Academic Ombudsperson

The Academic Ombudsperson serves the entire community of the University of Rzeszów. All members of the University - including employees, students, doctoral candidates, pupils of the university-affiliated high school, representatives of organizational units, and student or doctoral unions - may seek support, advice, or dialogue with the Ombudsperson.

The Ombudsperson’s two primary responsibilities are:

  • Supporting members of the university community in the amicable resolution of conflicts, disputes, and tensions.
  • Promoting high ethical standards in academic life.

When to Contact the Academic Ombudsperson

You are encouraged to reach out if:

  • You need to be heard or seek advice regarding academic life.
  • You face a challenge related to your work or studies and are unsure where to turn.
  • You have identified a problem (personal, departmental, or institutional) and wish to discuss it constructively.
  • You are involved in a dispute or conflict.
  • You require assistance in resolving a complex issue.
  • You feel you have been wronged, treated unfairly, or discriminated against.
  • You are looking for a facilitator or mediator.

Conversations with the Ombudsperson are confidential and do not obligate you to take further action. Any subsequent steps may be jointly agreed upon during the meeting.

Scope of Activities

The Academic Ombudsperson:

  • Listens attentively, helps define the issue, and seeks appropriate solutions.
  • Facilitates the amicable resolution of disputes and conflicts.
  • Recommends and initiates mediation processes.
  • Provides information on available avenues for resolving problems.
  • Promotes awareness of academic rights and values, and monitors potential violations.
  • Contributes to the development of policies and documents that uphold academic integrity and ethical standards.

Limitations

The Academic Ombudsperson does not:

  • Act on anonymous reports.
  • Provide legal or psychological counselling.
  • Issue binding opinions or decisions.
  • Represent individuals in formal proceedings.
  • Participate in disciplinary or administrative investigations, except as an observer.

Guiding Principles

The Academic Ombudsperson operates in accordance with the four core principles of the International Ombuds Association (IOA):

  • Independence – Acts autonomously and independently of university structures.
  • Impartiality – Maintains neutrality, does not represent any party, and advocates for fairness and academic values.
  • Informality – Engages in informal resolution processes, without conducting official proceedings.
  • Confidentiality – Ensures the privacy of individuals and the information shared, except in cases involving safety concerns or legal obligations.

Further information on the IOA standards and code of ethics is available here:

Contact Information:

Before addressing a case, the Academic Ombudsperson invites the reporting individual to a confidential meeting.
Appointments can be arranged through the Office for Equal Treatment.
Office: A2 100, 1st Floor.