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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1994)
Ombudsman covers4anything under the sun’ By Mindy L. Letter Staff Reporter __ Students who have questions, com plaints or are simply at a loss during the first few weeks of class need look no further than room 241 of the Ad ministration Building. There they will find Student Om budsman Dave Temple who handles everything from questions about grades and tests to troubles with pro fessors. Dave Temple said that when he works with students he tries to make them aware of the policies of the uni versity and tries to give them an idea of where they stand according to the university student guide. Temple said that too many stu dents throw out their student guides which contain answers to many of their questions. Temple urges incoming students to hold onto their guides because they may need to consult them later and students are responsible for all of the policies that the guides contain. By responsible, Temple said, he meant that ignorance of a university policy was no defense. “If you don’t know that you were supposed to pay tuition by a certain date, that is no excuse,” he said. However, many times students do not understand the bulletin and have questions about university policies. Temple said. In that case, he said, the ombuds men was there to answer any ques tions. Temple also handles personal con cerns that students might have with their professors about grading poli cies, tests and lecture styles. In situations where a student has a problem with a professor, Temple said he “acts through persuasion” to help the student and professor resolve the issue. - I handle anything under the sun that has to do with the university. If a student has a problem or a question they can call me. —Dave Temple Student Ombudsman -ff - Temple said he usually urges stu dents to meet with their professor during office hours rather than trying to catch them before or after class. “Professors really have no time at the end of class,” he said. “It is impor tant to set aside time during their office hours to speak to them and then contact the office if there are questions or problems,” he said. Usually, the professors arc eager to help the student and the issue is re Jason Levkulich/DN Ombudsman Dave Temple serves students at UNL by provid ing information to resolve problems, concerns or questions. Temple works on an individual basis with students. solved in one meeting. Temple said. Students also often have concerns with departments and the ombuds men can help answer these questions as well. He said many times students who had a problems or concerns with a department needed to learn to ask questions of people who were at the front desk. “It’soften a question of finding the right person at the front end who knows what’s going on and can help them move their way through the sys tem,” he said. “It teaches students how to deal with a bureaucracy,” he said. “It’s a learning experience.” Dave said that his office was “in formation central” for any students or new students who were encountering problems at the university. “I love what 1 do,” he said. “So many times students will come into my office and say ‘Gee, I’m at wits end, I just don’t know what to do.’ I talk to them for awhile, get them calmed down, find out exactly what the problem is and try to solve the problem.” “I handle anything under the sun that has to do with the university. If a student has a problem or a question they can call me,” he said. Dave Temple can be reached at 472-9292. He has voice mail that he checks seven days a week. GIVE YOUR KIDS A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE. Healthful foods can make a lifetime of difference. American Heart Association O 1992. American Heart Association Meet the small, un-silenttype. Presenting the ELERTfrom Quorum The portable motion detector that blasts 103dB (minimum) whenever moved. It operates simply on batteries FAndyoucan ’attach it to every ling from your ’skis to your per sonal computer. Only Quorum products give vou that kind of technology Quorum and security. Securing Life Contact \our Quorum Independent Distributor ■ • • Richard Johnson (402) 488-8055 Present this coupon for Any one (1) Big Red Clothing ■. item expires 8/26/94