Ombuds Assistance & Resources for Students (OARS)

Helping Students Navigate Troubled Waters with Fairness and Clarity

Are you an Illinois student who is experiencing a challenge with university faculty or staff and you’re not sure what to do next or what your options are? Have a question about university policies or procedures but not sure where to start?

Just as oars help to guide a boat, OARS (Ombuds Assistance & Resources for Students) supports students in exploring options related to conflicts they may experience with university faculty and staff, in ways that are grounded in fairness and guided by care. OARS operates on the Ombuds’ principles of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality, all while empowering students to make informed decisions, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and contribute to a culture of understanding and respect across campus.