Student Advocate/Ombuds Office
LaGuardia Community College’s Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer offers a confidential, neutral resource for students to receive assistance, voice concerns and complaints. The Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer serves as a mediator who strives to address issues and facilitates communication and resolution in a fair and equitable manner.
The term “Ombudsman” originated in Sweden in 1809 when a public official was appointed to deal with individual complaints against government acts.
Mission of the Office
To create opportunities for students to grow academically and socially.
What are the services of the Ombuds Office?
Provides information about LaGuardia Community College’s policies, procedures, services, rights and responsibilities.
The Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer will assist in resolving issues and concerns.
- Serve as an impartial advocate for fair and equitable resolution to problems
- Analyze, conduct impartial investigation and resolve problem
- Offer information about the College’s policies and procedures
- Present a range of options for resolving problems
- Facilitate communication, use shuttle diplomacy, and mediate disputes.
- Foster equity, fairness, pluralism and institutional values.
- Assess student needs and refer to appropriate services
- Maintain confidentiality and follow-up to ensure students’ success
- Adhere to professionalism, ethics and responsibility
- Make recommendations for institutional improvement
Any student seeking advice can use the services of the Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer.
Who is LaGuardia’s Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer?
Maria Riggs
Student Advocate/Ombuds Officer
Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Room C-317
(718) 482-5180
E-Mail: mariarig@lagcc.cuny.edu
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Additional evening hours available by appointment