Student Ombudsman Office

The Student Ombudsman Office provides a free, confidential, and independent service to investigate student grievances, usually relating to academic or administrative decisions. We also provide advice to students and staff associated with student related policies and procedures.

Our role

Complaint resolution

We will investigate claims and recommend actions to resolve them where appropriate.

We check whether:

  • the correct process was followed
  • the process was transparent
  • the decision was fair
  • principles of natural justice were observed
  • the decision or outcome was reasonable.

Advice

We provide advice for students and staff on:

  • administrative procedures relating to students including:
    • assessment
    • enrolment
    • unsatisfactory academic progress
  • student standards, practices and procedures and provide recommendations for innovation and improvement.

The Student Ombudsman can investigate complaints, usually related to academic or administrative decisions.  We are not able to make fresh decisions but can investigate whether QUT followed correct policy and procedure in arriving at the outcome of the academic or administrative decision.

We do not investigate complaints related to discrimination or harassment.

Contact the QUT Guild if you require advocacy for your matter or support with navigating QUT’s policies and procedures.

Find out how to make a complaint or seek advice

Find out how to make a complaint or seek advice if you don't have QUT login

Meet the team

Associate Professor Erin O'Connor

Student Ombudsman (Acting)

Associate Professor Erin O'Connor is a registered psychologist with a strong interest in adult and adolescent learning across a number of domains including health-based decision making, learning at university, and the career paths of non-traditional students.

Dr Ruari Elkington

Deputy Student Ombudsman

Dr Ruari Elkington is a senior lecturer in creative industries and a screen industries academic combining successful inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in his learning and teaching with effective enterprise skills development. He is a Fellow, and an Associate Fellow (Indigenous), of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).