Message from the Ombudsperson

It is an honour to join Toronto Metropolitan University as your Ombudsperson. TMU has a rich history of transformation, equity, and innovation, and I am honoured to contribute to its ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Having recently stepped into this role, I have already had the opportunity to connect with some of the university’s remarkable students, faculty, staff, and administrative leaders. These interactions have provided valuable insights into our community’s diverse challenges and opportunities. From academic policy concerns and fee appeals to questions of procedural fairness, the openness of students seeking guidance and the dedication of faculty and staff committed to creating equitable outcomes is inspiring.

With over a decade of experience in public service, advocacy, and systemic review, I deeply understand the importance of ensuring fairness and accessibility in decision-making. I was privileged to spend the last 13 years working with Inuit colleagues, friends and community members in Nunavut. The perspectives that Nunavummiut have shared with me have helped to shape my approach to addressing complex issues with a commitment to cultural safety, collaboration, and equity. I bring this perspective to my work here at TMU, where fairness is not just an ideal but a shared responsibility among all interest groups.

As Ombudsperson, I aim to advocate for fairness in all aspects of university life. Our office serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty to navigate policies, resolve concerns, and promote accountability. We assist with complaints informally by providing guidance and clarity on policies and procedures, and where necessary, we investigate complaints and make recommendations to ensure procedural fairness is upheld. We also aim to identify systemic issues and work collaboratively to address them, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Transparency and clarity are at the heart of procedural fairness. These principles enhance accountability and ensure that policies are applied consistently and equitably. Together, we can strengthen the framework of fairness at TMU by promoting open communication, fostering understanding, and addressing challenges constructively.

I encourage anyone with questions, concerns, or feedback to connect with our office. By working together, we can create a supportive and fair environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I look forward to serving the TMU community and partnering with you to uphold the values of fairness, equity, and justice.