About the Student Ombud
At the Student Ombud, you will meet a neutral and independent person who can offer advice and assistance in matters related to your study situation at the University of Inland Norway (INN).
The Student Ombud is not a representative of either the university or the students, but aims to ensure that a case is presented in an impartial manner. The purpose is to help ensure that the university properly and correctly handles students' rights and obligations. The Student Ombud cannot be instructed by the university
The service is free and non-binding, and the Student Ombud is bound by confidentiality. All cases are treated confidentially. The Student Ombud will only have access to confidential information to the extent that you have given your consent.
The Student Ombud is a low-threshold service. The goal is to resolve cases at the lowest possible level. If the Student Ombud cannot assist you, you will be directed to the appropriate authority.
The Student Ombud can
- Ensure that INN complies with regulations in the handling of your cases and that your rights are safeguarded.
- Help you understand your rights and obligations as a student.
- Discuss your concerns, clarify problems, and provide advice on what options you have and how you can proceed with your case (for example, in matters concerning exams, cheating, expulsion, fitness to study, etc.).
- Act as a neutral and independent person between you as a student and INN in any conflict, for instance by participating in meetings between the student and INN or between the student and fellow student(s).
- Provide feedback on drafts of applications or complaints.
The Student Ombud cannot
- Make decisions in cases. The Student Ombud has no authority to make rulings.
- Take sides in a case.
- Act as a lawyer for the student.
- Act as an appeals body for decisions made by other units or INN.
- Instruct INN units on how they should handle or resolve a case.
- Write applications or complaints on behalf of the student
Relevant regulations
As a student, you have both obligations and rights related to your studies. These are regulated in several places. The Student Ombud recommends familiarising yourself with specific regulations related to INN.
- Universities and University Colleges Act
- Regulations on Admission, Studies, and Examinations at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences – Lovdata
Missing a response from an employee at INN?
If you have not received a reply to a message sent to an employee at INN, you can try again after allowing a reasonable amount of time.
If you still do not receive a response, you can contact someone higher up in the system or someone connected to the matter you are inquiring about. For example, you might contact a study advisor if you are unable to reach the programme coordinator.
Have you received a response from the first line that you believe is incorrect?
If the answer is yes, you can proceed by contacting the student ombudsman.
If the answer is no, contact them first.
Contact information
Enquiries are prioritised according to date and urgency, and are only read and responded to during normal working hours.
Please use the contact form rather than sending text messages or emails. The contact form helps protect your personal data. If you wish to call, kindly do so during core working hours on weekdays between 09:00 and 14:30. However, it is preferable for the ombuds to receive your enquiry via the online form first, so that it can be registered and read, and the ombuds can familiarise themselves with your case before responding.
The substitute student ombuds is a lawyer from Poland with an excellent command of Norwegian. It may be easier for the ombuds to understand your enquiry if you use the online form instead of calling. Nonetheless, there are no formal requirements for contacting the ombuds.
Absences may occur, which can lead to longer response times.
The online form does not have an automatic reply function.