Relay Ombudsman Services Request

Thank you for reaching out to the Relay Student Ombudsman Service

The Relay Student Ombudsman Service provides a safe space for students to confidentially discuss institutional and academic concerns, clarification of policies, and other challenges that impact academic progress.

The Role of the Ombuds is to:

listen to understand issues from the perspective of the student.
assist in reframing issues and developing and helping students evaluate their options.
guide or coach students to deal directly with other parties, including the use of formal resolution resources that are provided by Relay Graduate School of Education. You can also refer to the student handbook.
refer students to one or more formal organizational resources that can potentially resolve the issue or concern.
facilitate informal resolution processes.

Because of the informal, neutral, confidential and independent positioning of an ombudsman in an organization,

The ombudsman WILL NOT

Make binding decisions or mandate policies,
Participate in formal investigations or play any role in a formal issue resolution process,
Serve in any other organizational role that would compromise the neutrality of the ombudsman role
Receive notice for the organization
Create or maintain records or reports for the organization

We are eager to help and support you through your journey at Relay.

Please take a few minutes to tell us below how we can best serve you by completing this request form.

1. Your Full Name *This question is required.

2. Your Email Address *This question is required.

3. How can we best support you today?
Please note the ombudsman additionally cannot make decisions or recommendations on teaching placements, career choices, etc. *This question is required.

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

4. Did you speak with an advisor, instructor, director, or any other Relay personnel about your concern?
We encourage our graduate students to speak with their advisors as first line of contact, when necessary. *This question is required.

If this is an emergency, please reach out immediately to the Dean of Student Affairs at (862) 250-5915.

Did a student allegedly commit an act of violence or threaten violence? Did a student initiate or threaten litigation? If yes, to either of the aforementioned, send a high importance email to the Dean Student Affairs Nichelle Bowes (nbowes@relay.edu); and General Counsel Peter Kauffman (pkauffman@relay.edu). Someone will respond to you promptly.