About the Ombudsperson
The Ombudsperson is:
- Independent — reviews concerns without direction from any member of the SAIT community and in many ways operates outside of organizational structures.
- Impartial — considers issues from a third-party perspective and does not choose sides in a dispute, not for the individual nor for the institution.
- Accessible — provides services to all members of the SAIT community, and is reachable without a formal referral.
- Informal — seeks to resolve concerns through informal, low-barrier approaches whenever possible.
- Confidential — listens to concerns and discusses options in strict confidence; the privacy of all inquiries is respected.
What does SAIT's Ombudsperson do?
The Ombudsperson acts as a neutral resource to help you understand your options and connect you with an appropriate process or other support at SAIT.
The Ombudsperson can:
- help you navigate SAIT policies and procedures
- listen to your concerns, and discuss possible options
- help you understand issues like academic misconduct, grading concerns, appeals, and concerns with instructors
- assist in resolving your concerns informally when possible
- informally investigate complaints and broader systemic issues
- recommend improvements to policies or procedures if necessary
- refer you to other appropriate resources when needed.
The Ombudsperson cannot:
- interpret or review contracts or collective agreements
- get involved in matters before the courts
- address issues outside of SAIT’s jurisdiction
- handle legal or criminal matters involving SAIT.
The Ombudsperson is here to listen, guide, and support you in finding a path forward.
Common student concerns
Before reaching out to the Ombudsperson, see the information below for answers to these three common concerns.
Check out Academic Conduct for Students for information on SAIT’s conduct procedure.
Relax. An allegation of academic misconduct is stressful, but the conduct process is transparent and fair and you are not presumed guilty.
Be honest. If you know you made a mistake, or if you genuinely don’t understand the allegation against you, be open about it. Distorting the truth or deliberately withholding information makes things worse.
Be patient. Your instructor is likely very busy preparing and teaching classes, and marking your assignments, tests, and presentations. Give them at least a day or two to respond.
Check your lecture notes and your course outline for clarity on expectations, timelines, support resources, office hours, etc. It may be faster to find answers yourself, plus your instructor probably doesn’t like having to repeat information they’ve already communicated to the class.
Your instructors are human beings who have a keen interest in your learning. The more respectful and professional you are in your communications, the more eager they will be to help.
Discuss your concerns directly with your instructor. Approach the conversation with respect, professionalism, and patience. Ask for clarification on the evaluation criteria, why you received the grade you did, and areas where you can improve.
If you have spoken with your instructor, but you still disagree with the grade, you may consider attempting to appeal a component mark. For more information, see AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression - Credit Courses, page 16, section G.1.
If your grading concerns extend to the end of the term, you may wish to consider a Formal Grade Appeal. See AC.3.1.1. Schedule C for more information.
In all cases, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the Ombudsperson if a confidential conversation about your situation might help.
FAQs
If you are having trouble with a SAIT policy, decision, or an individual (e.g. a student or an instructor) and you don’t know who to talk to, a conversation with the Ombudsperson might be helpful. And if the Ombudsperson can’t help you, they will try to refer you to someone who can.
Anyone who is part of the SAIT community - current and former students, staff, instructors, alumni, contractors, and volunteers.
No. All communications are confidential, and the Ombudsperson doesn’t discuss details of your situation with anyone unless you have given them permission to do so.
The only exception to confidentiality occurs if the Ombudsperson believes a person’s safety is at risk.
The Ombudsperson can meet in person, via video conference or by phone. Whatever works best for you. Just indicate your preference when you book.
The Ombudsperson’s role is to consider issues from an independent, neutral position, often by gathering information from all sides. If they feel a decision or process was unfair, they will offer guidance on options to resolve the matter informally or otherwise help with a formal process if one is available.
No. And they can’t force SAIT to change a policy. They can, however, advocate for a fair resolution or a future policy amendment if they feel it is necessary.
Meet our Ombudsperson
Jeff Stransky
Jeff is committed to ensuring fairness, equity, and support for all SAIT students.
Meet with the Ombudperson
You can meet with the Ombudsperson by booking an appointment or dropping in during drop-in hours.*
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please cancel your appointment online or email ombudsperson.info@sait.ca to allow the Ombudsperson to accommodate others.
* Drop-in sessions are designed for brief introductory conversations. If you require a more in-depth consultation with the Ombudsperson, please schedule an appointment to ensure your situation can be thoroughly discussed. View upcoming drop-in hours
Additional information about the Ombudsperson
The role of the Ombudsperson at SAIT was developed in collaboration with Saitsa and receives guidance and support from the Ombudsperson Leadership Committee:
- Emily Bourassa, Chief Financial Officer and VP, Corporate Services
- Heather Magotiaux, VP, External Relations
- Marc Stromme, Executive Director, Saitsa
- Al Kim Lutao, Director for the Board of Directors, Saitsa
Contact
Student Life
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.