# Course Ombuds

**Source**: https://ctlo.caltech.edu/universityteaching/programs/training/courseombuds
**Parent**: https://ctlo.caltech.edu/universityteaching/resources/courses/universal-design-for-learning

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Course Ombuds

# Course Ombuds

Related Pages

#### **What are Course Ombuds?**

Course Ombuds are students who volunteer to be a **liaison in their course between their peers and the instructor**. The Ombud is a **neutral**, **impartial**, and **confidential** resource that can help students resolve issues and concerns.

#### **What do Course Ombuds Do?**

The Ombudsperson will ask their peers for **feedback about the course** (what's going well, any suggestions, etc.) through a simple **survey** (template provided), and then will **communicate that feedback to the instructor**.

Once an Ombuds has discussed their peers' feedback with the instructor (or Head TA, etc.), the Ombuds then **communicates the results of that discussion back to the rest of the class**.

This cycle of feedback between students and the instructor occurs **twice in a term**, typically around the end of Week 3/4 and Week 7/8.

#### **How do I Become an Ombuds each term?**

- Students interested in being an Ombuds for a course must first email/speak with their instructor to **obtain instructor permission**. This also serves the purpose of the Ombuds introducing themselves and making the instructor aware of the Ombuds in their course.
- Once instructor permission is obtained, students must **self-enroll in the new UG Ombuds Canvas Site**: [**https://caltech.instructure.com/enroll/8CC4R8**](https://caltech.instructure.com/enroll/8CC4R8)
  - All Ombuds must complete an **info form** EACH term they wish to be an Ombuds (name, email, course).
    - Completing this form is you 'signing up' to be an Ombudsman.
    - You will need to complete this form **every term** that you wish to be an Ombuds.
    - If you choose to be an Ombuds for **more than one class in the same term**, you need to complete separate forms -- **one form for each course you will represent**.
  - All Ombuds must complete the **new online training**. Once this is completed successfully, it does not need to be done again. *\*Even if students have been Ombuds previously, they need to complete the new training once.*
    - Students must obtain a **perfect score on the quiz**, but they are allowed multiple attempts.
  - **Deadline** to complete info sheet and training: **Wednesday of Week 2** each term.

Questions? Contact the CTLO at [[email protected]](https://ctlo.caltech.edu/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#741700181b341715180011171c5a111001)