Support in practice
As shown in the Ombudsman for Academic Rights Activity Report (in Polish), in its first year, the Ombudsman received 31 cases, most of which concerned students but also academic and administrative staff. These cases included interpersonal conflicts, communication difficulties, study organisation issues and incidents of undesirable behaviour.
However, the Ombudsman function is not limited to responding to reports. His activities also include:
- identifying possible courses of action,
- cooperating with university units responsible for counteracting discrimination and mobbing,
- promoting academic standards and good practices.
Importantly, numerous cases are resolved during the discussion phase – in an atmosphere of trust and respect for the autonomy of those who report them.
UniLodz Unified – a systemic approach to support
Activities of the UniLodz Ombudsman for Academic Rights are a part of the broader UniLodz Unified strategy – an initiative that builds our university community based on respect, accessibility and responsibility. In practice, this means cooperation between various units and functions, such as:
- Support and Accessibility Centre,
- the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours Coordinator – Marta Nowacka,
- the University of Lodz Rector's Representative for Equal Treatment – Aleksandra Różalska,
- or Doctoral Student Ombudsman – Kacper Stoś.
It is a system of communicating vessels in which support is not a one-time intervention but a process, while the person reporting the problem is not left alone with it.
Where to seek help?
The Ombudsman for Academic Rights is available to all members of the University of Lodz community – both in person and via email. They provide support in situations requiring discussion, clarification of procedures, mediation or the development of an action plan for addressing undesirable behaviour.
If you need help, please contact us!
The Ombudsman for Academic Rights operates at the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre (formerly the Academic Support Centre) at Pomorska 152, on the premises of the Lumumbowo student campus. You can contact the Ombudsman in person during his weekly office hours at the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre, or by email: rpa@uni.lodz.pl.
More information about the activities as part of UniLodz Unified
Source: Ombudsman for Academic Rights, University of Lodz – Dr Krzysztof Kędziora
Edit: Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
