Student Ombuds is a one-person department in the Division of Student Affairs. Takeelia Garrett oversees the department. She acts as a neutral advocate for fairness who assists students with concerns about their work, living, and learning environment at Grand Valley. She’s here to help students work through tough problems in a safe, impartial, confidential, and casual environment.

Listening to student concerns and sending them in the right direction is a big part of Takeelia’s job. “I want this campus to be a positive place for all students to learn, develop, and grow," Takeelia says.

When faced with a student concern, Takeelia offers conflict resolution, mediation sessions, mindfulness presentations, self-care, and shuttle diplomacy. If you feel that you have an issue that requires help from Student Ombuds, located in 200 Student Services, reach out by sending an email at [email protected] or schedule a meeting with Takeelia.

Students can reach out to Student Ombuds to work through grade disputes, financial aid concerns, university policy questions, conflicts in classroom, work, and living situations, and more.

Student Ombuds’ goal is to provide safety and privacy for the student environment. Takeelia shares trends in policy confusion with the university to make sure everyone is familiar with Grand Valley policies. She explains, “I am a resource person who promotes fairness.”

As much as we try to avoid them, sometimes conflicts arise and we don’t know what the next step should be. Turn to Student Ombuds for the neutral support that you may need. Discover more about Student Ombuds and how they can support you on their website.

Meet Student Ombuds