Student Ombuds Program
The Student Ombuds serve as neutral and confidential* resources and thought partners for students who are considering their options for addressing an issue, especially in situations where there are power and positionality differences. The Ombuds can support students who are experiencing or observing unfair treatment, communication breakdown, microaggressions, or other challenging interpersonal matters, particularly when the other party is in a position of power in relation to the student (e.g., a professor, coach, or supervisor).
Although separate from the University’s Ombudsperson for staff and faculty, the Student Ombuds use similar conflict resolution and restorative justice practices.
Here are just a few examples of the ways Student Ombuds can offer support:
- Hold a safe and supportive conversational space, simply listening and serving as an impartial sounding board
- Provide insight on how to start and manage a challenging conversation with a professor
- Serve as thought partners for students working through an issue with a coach or trainer
- Offer tools on how to approach resolving a conflict with an employment supervisor
- Share information on support resources
- Explain and demystify formal reporting and complaint processes
- Communicate any patterns of concern to university leadership
The Wesleyan Student Ombuds Program was informed and inspired by student voices, and they partner with and are supported by Dr. April Ruiz, Dean for Academic Equity, Inclusion, & Success.
*The Student Ombuds stand with survivors of sexual misconduct, though they do not serve as a confidential resource for these matters. If you need confidential support related to sexual misconduct, please reach out to SHAPE, CAPS, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Connect
The Student Ombuds are UNAVAILABLE for individual student conversations or workshops from Friday, December 6, 2024 until Friday, January 24, 2025. If you need assistance diring this. time, please reach out to:
Dr. April Ruiz, Dean for Academic Equity, Inclusion, & Success
Debbie Colucci, Assistant Vice President for Equity & Inclusion
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JACEY HENRY, she/her, jahenry@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2027
What are your academic interests? MB&B; Science and Technology Studies (STS)
What are you involved in at Wes? Wesleyan Period Coalition; Kpop Dance Crew; Black Undergraduate Medical Association (BUMA); WesWell Peer Health Intern
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I’m a very picky eater but I am trying to be more open to new foods.
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? Stemming from my own experiences as an international student, I want to be a resource for my peers to consult on whatever they are struggling with to ensure our success at Wesleyan. I was also inspired by serving in a similar capacity as a peer counselor at my alma mater so I wanted to continue supporting my peers through conflict resolution, academic and financial struggles and more.
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NAGENA LATIFI, she/they, nlatifi@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2025
<<BIO COMING SOON!>>
What are your academic interests?
What are you involved in at Wes?
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you?
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud?
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SUNJAY RIENER, he/him, sriener@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2025
What are your academic interests ? Neuroscience; Education Studies; Data Analysis; Chemistry
What are you involved in at Wes? Researcher in the Elling Lab; Student Shadow at the Orthopedic Associates of Hartford; Club Soccer
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I have two first languages: English and German
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? In high school I was entrusted by the student body to be the primary support person for students who were facing disciplinary action. I found the role to be incredibly fulfilling and thus made it a priority to put myself in a similar position in college where I could uplift my peers and cheer them on through any adversity they face.
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TORI DACOSTA, she/her, tdacosta@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2025
What are your academic interests? Government with an American concentration; English
What are you involved in at Wes? Women’s Basketball Team, DEI Representative; Student Athlete of Color Leadership Council; Student Athlete Support Network
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I am currently striving to create my own library which has to have a minimum of 1000 books, and I am only a couple hundred books away!
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? I would like to be a helpful and compassionate resource for students to use. Additionally I would like to aid students in advocating for themselves for whatever instances they may need to demonstrate self advocacy.