Ombudsperson
John Lubker, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and designated Graduate School ombudsperson.
jlubker1@nd.edu 574-631-5778
Dr. John Lubker serves as the associate dean for academic affairs. He is also the Graduate School's designated ombudsperson, a role that he has held since 2011.
The Graduate School’s ombudsperson assists graduate students and post-doctoral scholars in resolving a wide range of concerns, problems, and conflicts. The ombudsperson provides a confidential* place for individuals to express concerns, identify steps towards problem resolution, and makes referrals to appropriate campus resources.
*The ombudsperson is a mandatory reporter regarding any sexual or discriminatory harassment concerns.
The Ombudsperson Can:
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Listen to you, discuss your concerns, and help you obtain information
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Identify options in resolving problems and conflicts
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Answer your questions or refer you to someone who can
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Explain how University policies and procedures work
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Help you advocate for the mentoring you desire
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Coach you on how to handle a problem situation
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Refer you to the appropriate office should you wish to file a formal complaint
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Provide guidance to resolve a problem informally
The Ombudsperson Does Not:
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Provide legal advice
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Determine guilt of any party in dispute
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Testify in or participate in formal grievance or legal proceedings with respect to confidential communication
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Conduct formal investigations
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Keep records of conversations
Examples of Services Provided:
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Discuss how to approach a peer who has made an offensive or insensitive comment
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Help resolve a dispute with an individual or group
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Assist in deciding how to approach a person who you believe is causing a problem
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Help if you feel that you have been treated unfairly by anyone on campus
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Assist when you are uncertain about how University policies and procedures apply to your situation
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Help you determine which University department or office is appropriate to assist you in handling your problem
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Mediate among parties to resolve a concern
If you need to get in touch with Dr. Lubker, please contact him at jlubker1@nd.edu or call 574-631-5778.