Ombudspersons will serve as mediators, liaisons for students

President Randel has appointed Victor Muñiz-Fraticelli, a fourth-year graduate student in political science, to serve as the University’s Student Ombudsperson, and Kirk Schmink, a third-year student in the College, to serve as the new Associate Ombudsperson for the 2005-2006 academic year. The two students will investigate student complaints and grievances in their new positions.

“Suggestions from past ombudspersons have helped us improve a variety of University procedures and ensured that students receive necessary information in a timely and useful manner,” said Randel. “The ombudsperson performs a valuable service to our community, and all of us should cooperate fully with any inquiries and requests for information.”

Muñiz-Fraticelli served as Associate Ombudsperson in the 2004-2005 academic year, and received a law degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and a B.A. from Cornell University. Schmink, who is concentrating in Law, Letters and Society, now works as Assistant to the Director of Development at the Oriental Institute and as General Manager of Ex Libris Coffee Shop in the Joseph Regenstein Library.

The Student Ombudsperson and Associate Ombudsperson will report to President Randel. They are responsible for investigating and helping to resolve student grievances, particularly in instances where regular channels or processes have not proven sufficient.

Ombudspersons also serve as liaisons to the administration, making suggestions to help improve student life on campus. The Ombudspersons can be reached at (773) 702-8422 or via e-mail at: ombudsperson@uchicago.edu.