Under the University's policy (Student/Housestaff Ombudspersons Policy), each Dean has appointed an ombudsperson as a designated, confidential resource for students and housestaff ("visitors") seeking information or solutions to problems. The unique nature of the ombudsperson is one of neutrality, impartiality and independence from the School's and University's established administrative structures. Thus, the ombudsperson is not a student/house officer advocate and does not represent the student's or house officer's interests. The ombudsperson is also not an agent of the institution, is not responsible for academic or disciplinary decisions concerning students or housestaff, and is independent of all administrators who are, such as deans or program directors. Instead, the ombudsperson aims for fairness, and impartially considers the interests of all parties. The ombudsperson does not make decisions, render judgments or administer sanctions. Instead, she or he identifies options, provides information, refers visitors to other resources if appropriate, facilitates communication between people, may mediate disputes or negotiate resolutions between parties, and recommends changes in policy or procedure to School/University administrators.

The assistance of an ombudsperson is informal and non-adversarial, separate from existing formal grievance and complaint procedures. Bringing complaints or problems to the ombudsperson does not constitute placing the University on formal notice. Visitors can always invoke the formal procedures. Sometimes the ombudsperson herself or himself may recommend this course of action and refer the visitor to the appropriate office. In any case, the ombudsperson will not participate in a formal process.

Each UMDNJ School has also identified another individual as a research ombudsperson whose focus is on research disputes and problems. This person is available to assist faculty and staff as well as students and housestaff on issues related to research.

Confidentiality:

The ombudsperson strives to maintain confidentiality and respect privacy to the maximum extent permitted by law. The ombudsperson will not keep records with any personally identifiable information, and usually will not share any information received from visitors without the visitors' permission. However there are legal and ethical standards which may require the ombudsperson to disclose certain kinds of information, such as statutory violations, imminent threats of serious harm to an individual (the visitor or others), or to the University and its property, or about serious misconduct, harassment or the commission of a crime. The ombudsperson must also comply with court orders and valid subpoenas.

Relationship with the Dean, School/University administrators, faculty, other students/housestaff:

The ombudsperson maintains a great degree of independence within the School and University hierarchy. The ombudsperson is answerable only to the Dean, annually summarizing for the Dean the office's activities without revealing any personal or confidential information about cases. The ombudsperson also makes recommendations to the Dean for specific and systemic changes and improvements in School policy, procedure, environment, etc., based upon the pattern of problems and complaints brought forward by visitors. The ombudsperson has the full support of the University's Office of Academic Affairs, Office of AA/EEO and Office of Legal Management. The ombudsperson, in addition, is authorized to approach any individual - administrator, faculty member, other student or house officer - in pursuit of information, resolutions to problems or complaints, or to make recommendations.

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Susan M. Lomanto
GSBS Office of the Dean
ADMC Room 110
Newark
(973) 972-5332
lomanto@umdnj.edu

New Jersey Medical School
Debra S. Heller, M.D.
NJMS Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
UH E-158
Newark
(973) 972-0751
hellerds@umdnj.edu

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Parisa Javidian, M.D.
RWJMS Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
RWJUH - 2nd Floor, Administration Building
New Brunswick
(732) 828-3000 ext. 2548
javidipa@umdnj.edu

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School -- Camden
Debrah Meislich, MD
RWJMS Pediatrics
2 Cooper Plaza, Suite 200, Camden
(856) 342-2617
meislich-debrah@cooperhealth.edu

School of Health Related Professions
Robin L. Eubanks, Ph.D.
SHRP Student Affairs
SSB Room 322
Newark
(973) 972-4136
eubankrl@umdnj.edu

School of Nursing
Frances Francabandera, Ed.D., R.N., F.N.P.
SN Ramapo College
Bldg. G, Room G - 417
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 684-7746
ffrancab@ramapo.edu

Dula Pacquiao, EdD, CTN, RN
SN, Newark Campus
SSB Room 1118
Newark
(973) 972-8536
pacquidf@umdnj.edu

School of Osteopathic Medicine
Janice A. Ciesielski
SOM Medicine
SCC 3100
Stratford
(856) 566-7100
ciesieja@umdnj.edu

School of Public Health - Newark
Deidre J. Holland, MPH
SPH Instructor/Fieldwork Coordinator
SSB 701, Newark
973-972-8689
hollande@umdnlj.edu

School of Public Health - Piscataway
Irina Grafova, Ph.D.
SPH Health Systems & Policy
683 Hoes Lane, Room 321
Piscataway
(732) 235-5619
grafovib@umdnj.edu

UNIVERSITY OMBUDS -- Newark
Neil Schorr, Esq.
Room 1538
65 Bergen Street
(973 972-0169
schorrne@umdnj.edu