The Student Ombuds Office is currently closed for the foreseeable future. Please refer to the list of other available resources below.

Takeelia Garrett

Dear Lakers,

Thank you for contacting the Student Ombuds Office. We are sorry we are not able to assist you at this time. While the office is closed for the foreseeable future, please know there are many other University resources available to support you. 

Confidential Resources:

Victim and Survivor Advocacy

University Counseling Center

Dispute with a faculty member over grade:

If you have a problem with a grade, please seek the resolution at the lowest possible level, which means, you will begin with appealing to the faculty member from that class.  See “Academic Grievance Procedures” in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Basic Needs (food/personal care products/clothing/technology):

Replenish Basic Needs Center

CARE referral

Campus Climate Concerns:

If anyone in the Grand Valley community feels belittled, disrespected, or isolated based on their identity, there is a mechanism to report the incident:  Campus Climate Concerns.

Student Success:

Are you in need of campus resources to continue to help you to be a successful student? Find a list of things to help you in your pursuit of Laker Excellence.

Financial Aid/Scholarships:

Do you have questions about your Financial Aid status or meet with a Counselor? Questions about your scholarship status or how to apply? 

Dean of Students’ Office:

If you need further assistance and can’t find the information that you are looking for, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students Office at 616-331-3585.


Takeelia L. Garrett
Student Ombuds
[email protected]


The Student Ombuds can help with

  • Academic Dishonesty Concerns
  • Grade Disputes
  • Financial Concerns
  • Student Employment
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Policy/Procedure changes based on student feedback
  • And more all while you can remain anonymous  

The Student Ombuds DOES:

  • Listen impartially and provide unbiased feedback
  • Provide a private place to discuss complaints/consider options
  • Refer students to appropriate campus services and resources
  • Assist with problem-solving to minimize the escalation of conflict
  • Assist students in conflict to develop mutually acceptable outcomes
  • Encourage and empower students and to find their own solutions to problems and concerns
  • Coach students on how to have difficult conversations (non-defensive conversations)
  • Explain university policies/procedures
  • Observe any trends and share them with university administration
  • Recommend changes to policies and procedures based on trends
We Listen

The Student Ombuds empowers individuals to work through conflicts and concerns by acting as a trusted navigator and safe resource for students

We Support

The Student Ombuds seek to help individuals improve their skill and their confidence for effective conflict resolution

We Inform

The Student Ombuds may interpret and explain University policies and procedures. They may refer to formal University resources or help resolve issues between parties through informal mediation

The Student Ombuds DOES NOT:

  • Advocate for individuals/take sides
  • Offer psychological counseling
  • Keep records identifying individuals who meet with the Student Ombuds
  • Serve as an office of notice for filing a Title IX Complaint
  • Provide legal advice
  • Share personally identifiable information without permission
  • Make decisions (or change any decisions made by others)
  • Keep confidential any imminent risk of serious harm or danger as required by law
  • Conduct formal investigations or write formal investigative reports
  • Change policies or academic and administrative decisions 

Visit the International Ombudsman Association for more information.



Page last modified November 20, 2024