Ombudsman Office

What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is an impartial person who provides confidential and informal assistance for resolving University-related concerns, especially those that are not being adequately addressed through usual procedures. The Ombudsman is independent of the University’s formal administrative structure and considers all sides of an issue in an impartial and objective manner. An Ombudsman cannot impose solutions but can help to identify strategies for resolution.

Who can use the Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman is a student service at Savannah State University.

Who is the Ombudsman?
Brittney D. Alls, J.D. currently services as the Ombudsman. She has a background in law, mediation, and conflict resolution.

How to use the Office of the Ombudsman

    When do I call the Ombudsman? When you..

        • Need assistance in communicating or negotiating within the University community.
        • Feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been erroneously applied to you.
        • Have a complaint about an office or service at Savannah State University that you are unable to get resolved.
        • What to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence.
        • Are unsure of where to go or what options are open to you.

    How can the Ombudsman help me?

        • Listen to you.
        • Answer your questions.
        • Analyze your situation.
        • Explain University Policy.
        • Help explore options.
        • Facilitate discussions.
        • Mediate disagreements.
        • Recommend changes in the University Policy or procedures that may be outdated, ineffectual, or arbitrary.

    The Ombudsman does NOT:

        • Adjudicate
        • Arbitrate
        • Give legal advice

Why the Ombudsman is helpful

    Why should I use the Ombudsman?

        • Accessible: This is a service for exclusively for students to help ensure a healthy, successful, progressive experience at Savannah State University. We are here help you resolve your issues.
        • Independent: not part of SSU’s formal administrative structure, so it is a more relaxed setting to discuss issues and concerns.
        • Neutral: the Ombudsman will hear and assess complaints as an unbiased third party, however, if he/she determines that a policy or procedure has not been applied in a fair and consistent manner, he/she may advocate for fairness.
        • Confidential: all inquiries remain confidential except in a situation where there is a threat of imminent harm to self or others. This office is NOT a reporting office and does not keep written records, therefore confidentiality is easily maintained.

Contact information

      • The Office of the Ombudsman is located in the King-Frazier Student Center in Room 244.
      • Phone: (912) 358-3147, Fax: (912) 358-3648, Email: ombuds@savannahstate.edu
      • Office Hours:
        • M, T, Th: 10:00-5:00pm (closed for lunch)
        • W: 1:00pm-5:00pm
        • F: by appointment only
    • Online Request Form