Complaints and Appeals regarding the University of British Columbia (5:VIII)
The Alma Mater Society (AMS) Ombuds Office and the AMS Advocacy Office work hand-in-hand to assist students who are in conflict with the University of British Columbia.
Each individual community colleges and university have their own complaints process regarding bullying, harassment, human rights, academic integrity and general student and faculty conduct. Visit each institution’s websites regarding their policies and procedures regarding a resolution in these areas.
A. The AMS Ombuds Office
The AMS Ombudsperson can assist both graduate and undergraduate students who feel that they have been treated unfairly or need to approach the University or the AMS to resolve a conflict. The Ombudsperson acts impartially, is independent of any administrative body, and provides confidential service. The Ombuds office is an excellent resource for resolving disputes with the university and university authorities such as Campus Security, Campus RCMP, the Dean’s Office, and Booking Services. The office provides the following services:
- Conflict management services to AMS clubs and constituencies undergoing internal conflicts;
- Facilitating and negotiating resolutions between students and the University;
- Receiving and investigating complaints about the AMS;
- Preparing students for meetings with university representatives;
- Helping students with appeals;
- Providing conflict resolution workshops;
- Advising students about their options and resources;
- Assisting students with academic disputes (disputing grades, disputes between graduate students and supervisors, withdrawals, quality of instruction, etc.); and
- Assisting students with non-academic disputes (housing appeals, financial aid, and registration issues).
Appeals may be filed at the office or online. The current Ombudsperson is Oluwakemi Oke. The Ombuds Office is staffed 30 hours per week and may be contacted at:
The AMS Ombuds Office
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B. The AMS Advocacy Office
In situations where a student needs to appeal a final decision made by a department, faculty, or University representative, the AMS Advocacy Office can provide assistance by giving the student advice on their rights and responsibilities, assisting them with drafting letters and documents and representing students who must go before formal hearings at the University. Some of the specific issues the Advocacy Office helps with are:
- Student discipline cases (plagiarism, cheating, and non-academic discipline);
- Academic appeals;
- Residence or other UBC housing issues;
- Parking disputes;
- Requests for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and
- Library fine appeals.
The current representative, Angus Shaw, can be contacted at:
The AMS Advocacy Office
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| This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on July 31, 2020. |
