OFFICE of the OMBUDS
Eastern Michigan University
Important Dates
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5/25/2015 – Memorial Day, No
Classes, Univ. Closed
7/3/2015 – Independence Day
Observed, No Class, Univ. Closed
8/17/2015 – Close of Summer
Semester
9/8/2015– Classes Start Fall 2015
Prep for Fall:
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Make sure to complete your FAFSA
as soon as possible for the 2015-2016
Fall/Winter Semesters
Meet with an academic advisor to
ensure that you are registered for the
correct courses this fall
Spend some time learning the new
Canvas learning system so you are
prepared for your classes this fall
Meet the Staff
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Dr. Chiara Hensley
University Ombuds
Julia Heck
Case Management
Coordinator
Volume 2
Winter 2015 Bulletin
The Office of the Ombuds serves as a resource for students regarding any complaint,
grievance, or appeal that may be academic or non-academic in nature. The role of
the Ombuds is to ensure adherence to EMU policy, confirm due process as it relates to
institutional protocol, assist with resolution and prevention of both academic and nonacademic concerns, and to make appropriate data based recommendations to the Office
of the Provost.
Common Areas of Concern for Students – Winter 2015
Top 5 Areas of Concern
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
266
196
188
112
Grading
Student
Business
Services
142
113
Student
Concerns
Points of Contact
125
101
116
78
Record & Faculty & Staff
Registration
Concerns
Number of Cases
Grading:
 Grade Grievances, Incompletes, and Late
Withdraws
Student Business Services:
 Course Fees, Financial Holds, Residency, Tuition
Appeals
Student Concerns:
 Death, Illness, Safety, Well-being, Campus
Employment
Records & Registration:
 Diploma Issues, Academic
Dismissal, Graduation Issues,
Academic Probation, and
Registration Issues
Faculty & Staff Concerns:
 Students report concerns about
course instruction (e.g. syllabus,
personality conflicts, grading,
etc.)
Our office has taken steps to remedy these issues from the Winter 2015 semester. We
thank you for presenting these issues and your patience has helped facilitate their
correction.
Email Etiquette – Communicating with Professors
Sean Woolf
Graduate
Assistant
Rayvon Drain
Student Assistant
1. Use a clear subject line: Including the course number and topic of the email is
better than leaving it blank. Example: ENGL 101 – Final Paper Topic
2. Use a salutation and a signature: Instead of jumping right into the message take
time to say “Hello” as well as a closing “Thank You”. Also address the
individual by their title such as “Dr. or Professor”.
3. Use standard punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar. Instead of “can
you help????” try “I am writing you to ask about the topics you suggested for
our final paper submission.”
4. Do your part in attempting to find an answer. Check the syllabus prior to
emailing an instructor with a question. If you still cannot find the information
then contact the instructor.
EMU is excited to announce that canvas will replace eCollege/EMUonline as the official learning management system for online and webenhanced classes. The canvas system is easy to use and learn! Check out
the link below for student support in this new transition:
http://www.emich.edu/elearning/students/canvas_support_students.php