Texas A&M University Undergraduate Studies

The Ombuds is here for you

Life as an undergraduate student can present unexpected hurdles, including university related concerns or problems. Whether it's final grade concerns, arbitrary, capricious, or prejudiced treatment, or just needing someone to talk to, the Undergraduate Ombuds is a resource for every member of the university community. We will listen, support, and help create a plan for moving forward.  We offer a safe, unbiased, and private environment where concerns are heard, understood, and respected. Student success is important to us, and we're committed to ensuring that you have the best possible undergraduate experience.

Appeal Guide Undergraduate Academic Appeals Panel

Who we are, and how we can help

What is an Ombuds?

The Undergraduate Ombuds Official is an advocate for fairness for undergraduate students at Texas A&M University. More specifically, the Undergraduate Ombuds Official is:

  • a neutral party who provides confidential, impartial, and informal assistance in resolving conflicts or addressing issues and concerns.

  • unbiased and considers the rights and interests of all parties involved.

  • independent, housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, and reports directly to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

How can the Ombuds help me?

The Undergraduate Ombuds Official can:

  • Listen and help you achieve a greater understanding of the issue or concern.

  • Answer your questions, including questions about religious holy days.

  • Explain university policies and procedures.

  • Assist you with solving problems at the university.

  • Connect you to resources on campus.

  • Help you navigate the academic appeals process.

  • Identify options for resolving conflicts.

  • Facilitate dialogue between you and other parties involved.

What can I expect from the Ombuds?

You can count on the Undergraduate Ombuds Official to be:

  • Accessible

  • Confidential

  • Neutral and Impartial

  • Informal

What issues can I bring to the Ombuds?

You may discuss any concern confidentially with the Undergraduate Ombuds Official. Some of the common issues we help with include:

  • Academic-related issues and appeals

  • Concerns about procedural fairness or due process

  • Questions about religious holy days

  • Misunderstandings between students, advisors, professors, or others

  • Communication breakdowns with students, advisors, professors, or others

  • Disagreements with or misunderstandings of university policies or procedures

  • Concerns over retaliation

  •  …and many more

When should I contact the Ombuds?

You should reach out to the Undergraduate Ombuds Official at any point if you:

  • Need to talk to a university official informally about an issue.

  • Need to talk to someone “off the record.”

  • Have an issue and you need to know your options or who to go to for help. 

  • Feel that a university policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly.

  • Need an outside party to help start the conversation to work towards a solution.

  • Need help navigating academic appeals.

What are the benefits of talking to the Ombuds?

  • The level of confidentiality. We do not serve as an office of record or keep any personally-identifiable records. Unless your issue involves a situation of campus violence under the Clery Act or there is imminent risk of serious harm, we will not disclose you talked with us without an explicit request from you or your permission to do so.

  • Our objectivity and impartiality. We can help you think through situations clearly and see things from multiple perspectives.

  • Our neutrality. We do not take sides in a conflict or take part in any formal process. 

  • Our commitment. We are committed to helping individuals resolve a variety of issues, difficulties, challenges, and conflicts involving undergraduate students.

  • Our knowledge of campus resources. We can connect you with other resources to help.

  • Our willingness to listen. We provide a compassionate, listening ear.

Who is the Undergraduate Ombuds?

The Undergraduate Ombuds Official is Dr. Lori Moore. Dr. Moore is certified in basic mediation and has previous academic leadership experience as the Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. 

In addition to serving as the Undergraduate Ombuds Official in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Moore is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural leadership and teacher preparation.

How can I contact the Undergraduate Ombuds?

The Undergraduate Ombuds Office is located in Rudder Tower 604, behind the elevators. 

Although not required, scheduling an appointment to visit with the Ombuds is strongly recommended.There is limited staff in the Ombuds Office, and the Ombuds is frequently out of the office or unavailable due to confidential meetings and phone calls. Scheduling an appointment ensures you will have the undivided attention of the Ombuds. To schedule an appointment in person, over the phone, or on Zoom, email us at undergradombuds@tamu.edu or call us at 979-845-3210.