Ombuds Office
The Graduate School’s ombuds office assists graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in resolving a wide range of concerns, problems, and conflicts. The ombuds office staff provide a confidential* place for individuals to express concerns, identify steps towards problem resolution, and find other appropriate campus resources when needed. The ombuds staff can also work with your department or campus group to provide workshops or to facilitate dialogues. (See Frequently Asked Questions.)
*The ombuds staff are mandatory reporters regarding any sexual or discriminatory harassment concerns.
The Ombuds Can:
- Listen to you, discuss your concerns, and help you obtain information
- Identify options in resolving problems and conflicts
- Answer your questions or refer you to someone who can
- Explain how University policies and procedures work
- Help you advocate for the mentoring you desire
- Coach you on how to handle a problem situation
- Deliver information or ask questions on your behalf confidentially
- Refer you to the appropriate office should you wish to file a formal complaint
- Provide guidance to resolve a problem informally
The Ombuds Does Not:
- Provide legal advice
- Determine guilt of any party in dispute
- Testify in or participate in formal grievance or legal proceedings with respect to confidential communication
- Conduct formal investigations
- Keep records of conversations
Examples of Services Provided:
- Discuss how to approach a peer who has made an offensive or insensitive comment
- Help resolve a dispute with an individual or group
- Assist in deciding how to approach a person whom you believe is causing a problem
- Help if you feel that you have been treated unfairly by anyone on campus
- Assist when you are uncertain about how University policies and procedures apply to your situation
- Help you determine which University department or office is appropriate to assist you in handling your problem
- Mediate among parties to resolve a concern
- Offer workshops and trainings to departments or campus groups
John Lubker serves as the Graduate School's associate dean for academic affairs. He is also the Graduate School’s primary ombudsperson, a role that he has held since 2011.
Schedule an Appointment or Ask a Question
John Lubker, Ed.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Ombudsperson
574-631-5778
jlubker1@nd.edu
Google Calendar
To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, you can book an available time by using Google Calendar appointment scheduler for John Lubker. This will automatically create a calendar invitation, but your appointment details will not be shared with anybody else.
Phone or Email
You can also contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment or ask any questions. Please contact John Lubker at jlubker1@nd.edu or 574-631-5778.
To help ensure the confidentiality of all parties involved, if you send an email or leave a voicemail, please do not discuss the details of your concerns.