Student Ombudsman
Ombudsman/Student Advocate
The Indian River State College Ombudsman/Student Advocate is a resource dedicated to helping students navigate college policies and procedures, facilitating communication, and assisting in conflict resolution outside of the College's formal grievance procedures. The Ombudsman/Student Advocate serves as an initial point of contact to address student concerns and appeals regarding issues such as access to courses, credit granted toward degrees, and other matters. IRSC is committed to ensuring all students are treated fairly and equitably.
Services Offered
The Ombudsman/Student Advocate provides the following support services:
- Listening and Resolving Concerns: Helping students address and resolve complaints or concerns.
- Clarifying Policies and Procedures: Explaining College policies and procedures to ensure understanding.
- Referrals: Directing issues and concerns to the appropriate department or office.
- Defining Options: Assisting students in understanding available options.
- Policy Recommendations: Suggesting revisions to College policies and procedures when needed.
- Maintaining Communication: Promoting open and constructive communication between students and the College.
- Providing Assistance Information: Sharing details about assistance opportunities and the College’s formal grievance procedures.
Contact Information
The IRSC Coordinator of Student Conduct also serves as the Ombudsman/Student Advocate. This role is accountable to the College President and the Vice President of Student Success.
- Phone: 772-462-7482
- Email: cparuag@irsc.edu
To file a grievance, please fill out the following digital form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?IndianRiver&layout_id=400 or send a detailed email describing the situation to studentaffairs@irsc.edu.
All students are encouraged to work through the Ombudsman/Student Advocate and the internal complaint and appeal process provided by Indian River State College. However, if students feel further investigation is warranted, they can contact The Florida Department of Education at https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/ concerns-complaints.stml.
Distance Education students who have completed an applicable internal institutional grievance process and applicable state grievance process may also appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, visit FL- SARA Complaint Process.