Where can I get help if I have a problem with a professor who is mistreating me because of my accent?
You should contact the UBC Equity Office and ask to speak with an Equity Advisor who will listen to your concerns and can assist you in dealing with the professor. The Equity Office works to prevent harassment and discrimination based on the 13 prohibited grounds in the B.C. Human Rights Act and has procedures for […]
Where can I get help if I’m experiencing a lot of stress in both my academic and personal life?
UBC has a great support network for students who find themselves in difficulty. You can go to Counselling Services to speak with a counsellor for help with dealing with concerns like anxiety and stress; AMS Speakeasy provides peer counselling and a friendly ear. Student Health Service provides full primary health care out of a clinic […]
Where can I get help if I have a problem arranging accommodation for a recently diagnosed medical condition?
The Access & Diversity Office works to determine and facilitate disability-related accommodations for students, faculty and staff with disabilities and produces alternate format materials for people with print disabilities. Contact their office and ask to speak with one of their Access & Diversity Advisors.
Where can I get help if I’ve been accused of academic or non-academic misconduct?
You should first consult the UBC Calendar (Policies and Regulations) and familiarize yourself with the procedures and rules that may apply to your situation. In particular, you will want to know about the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline (PACSD). If you need help in understanding the process, please feel free to contact the Ombuds Office. […]
Where can I get help if I have been given an unfair grade?
Check out the UBC Calendar – Review of Assigned Standing for the procedures involved to appeal your grade. Be mindful of any timelines that apply and that you do not miss any deadlines to submit the necessary documentation to file an appeal. Your first step, as in any situation where you have a problem relating to […]
Where can I get help if I have a problem with my graduate supervisor?
Both the GSS and the Faculty of Graduate Studies have information on how student-supervisor issues can be effectively addressed. As with any situation where challenges arise in the interaction between people, it is best to go to the person directly and have an open and honest discussion. The Ombuds Office can help you prepare for […]
How do I even know where to start dealing with my problem?
When trying to figure out how best to deal with your problem, a good place to start is to enter some keywords into the search functions on the UBC website and the academic calendar. The Ombuds website also has a collection of Support Links, plus, you can download our Fairness Toolkits for tips on problem-solving, discussing difficult issues and communicating effectively.
Does the Ombuds Office give legal advice?
No. The Ombuds Office does not provide legal advice, counselling services nor can it be an advocate for an individual student. It can however refer you to the appropriate agency for such services.
Can the UBC President overturn a Senate appeal decision?
No. The Senate appeal process is the final and highest decision-making process at UBC. No one (not even the President) has the power to overturn a Senate decision.
Can’t the Ombuds Office just “fix” my problems?
The Ombuds Office’s role is to help students work through their fairness-related concerns, not to act in their place. We work to empower students so that they can develop useful skills that will serve them now and in the future.