The word “ombudsman” is derived from the Scandinavian word “ombud” which means ambassador, delegate or envoy. It refers to a person who reviews complaints received from a particular group, speaks on behalf of that group, and seeks to improve conditions for group members / the group as a whole.
Why is it important to have a student ombudsman's office at the university?
The Student Ombudsman’s Office is a confidential, impartial, independent and informal student resource, service and completes formal processes. The Ombudsman’s Office helps the university administration see unclear processes needing improvement. The Ombudsman’s Office also monitors student problem trends and can offer advice / recommendations and timely analysis of problem trends to the Rector.
The Ombudsman can facilitate the timely identification of conflicts and their resolution before they escalate. The ombudsman facilitates effective communication in a conflict situation and acts as a mediator.
Who can apply to the Student Ombudsman's Office?
The Office of the Student Ombudsman is designed for students of East European University. You can appeal to the Ombudsman, when you do not know whom to address with the problem you have, when you would like to get advice / counseling on student rights and freedoms; Also, when you also need the opinion of a neutral and impartial person, discussing the problem with him / her and getting an advice / help on further steps;
How can I schedule a face-to-face / online meeting with the Ombudsman?
To make an appointment with the Ombudsman, you can contact us by phone, email or MS Teams.
You can call the hotline 032 2 48 01 41 or send an e-mail: student.ombudsman@eeu.edu.ge, or fill out the electronic application form: https://eeu.edu.ge/portfolio/25173/
You can also call the MS Teams chat at student.ombudsman@eeu.edu.ge and leave a voice message. When leaving a voice message in Teams, enter your first name, last name, and phone number
What types of issues can be address by the Ombudsman?
Controversial disputes over protection of students’ interests, rights and freedoms, administrative and academic issues.
What is the function of an ombudsman?
- Listen to student’s concerns about violations or restrictions on rights and freedoms
- Help you analyze the problem and work out ways to solve it;
- Act as a mediator between the parties in the emerging conflict relations and facilitate effective communication;
- Protect students’ rights and freedoms;
- Request information from the relevant structural unit of the University for you and clarify the details;
- Introduce students to their rights and responsibilities (including explaining appeal procedures);
- Provide you with information on relevant procedures and regulations at the University based on the specific situation;
What shall not be done by the Ombudsman?
- To disclose confidential information;
- To change the rules / legal acts in force at the University;
- To incorporate the functions of other university staff that may prevent them from maintaining a neutral position during a conflict;
- To provide legal advice (note that the Ombudsman is not a lawyer, he helps you / is a mediator and does not decide who is right or wrong)
How to contact the Ombudsman's Office?
You can contact the Ombudsman’s Office in person or contact us by phone, email us, or fill out a contact form.
Please note that under the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID 19, the ombudsman’s office has fully switched to remote service. Remote online meeting is possible through MS TEAMS platform.
Address: Tbilisi, 4 Shatili St., 2nd floor, Room N19
Telephone: 032 2 48 01 41
E-mail: student.ombudsman@eeu.edu.ge
Contact form:https://eeu.edu.ge/portfolio/contact-us-3/?lang=en