Message from the Ombudsperson

It is a privilege to be the Ombudsperson at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University. As you are aware, the university undertook the bold initiative of a name change in 2021 and established the University Renaming Advisory Committee. After a thorough period of consultation and collaboration, the name Toronto Metropolitan University was presented to the Board of Governors by President and Vice Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi and was unanimously approved. It is an exciting time for me to have joined the university.

Although I started in this role in mid-January 2022, in a very short time I’ve been inspired by the students, administrative leaders, staff and faculty I have met. I have heard many stories from students about ongoing challenges – including challenges with online learning, returning to in-person learning, academic integrity matters, fee appeals, issues of privacy, and the requirement to attest to their vaccination status.

I appreciate the honesty and integrity of the students who come to our office for guidance in navigating the implications of certain university policies, as well as the various interpretations and applications of these policies by different departments and faculty members. I also appreciate the cooperation and support of faculty and administrative leaders who have welcomed me and shown willingness to work with our office to ensure we collectively do our best, not only to find a fair resolution to matters of concern but also to work toward ensuring university policies and procedures are within the highest degree of procedural fairness.

My experience as a lawyer and adjudicator in the field of administrative law for over 25 years makes me well suited to advocate for fairness. I truly understand the importance, and sometimes the complexity, of ensuring procedural fairness and natural justice. One of my goals will be to continue the work of the Office of the Ombudsperson to advocate for fairness and to strive for greater clarity regarding university policies and procedures and greater transparency with respect to the decision-making process underlying these policies and procedures. Transparency is fundamental to procedural fairness because it ensures greater accountability. It also increases clarity and consistency in decision making.

I am confident that by working together – students, faculty, administrative leaders, and other stakeholders – we can reach the highest level of procedural fairness.

Our office will continue to work informally with students to advise on complaints and provide guidance related to any policy or process applicable to their situation. We will also investigate complaints where warranted and make recommendations to those in authority. By reviewing and analyzing complaints, our office is able to make systemic recommendations where appropriate.