Limin Jao has been appointed Ombudsperson for Students. She succeeds Christopher Moraes.
Jao is Associate Professor in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education and has held several academic leadership roles at McGill, including Interim Department Chair and Graduate Program Director. She has also received the Faculty of Education’s Award for Distinguished Teaching. The appointment is for five years.
Understanding the student experience and looking for ways it can be improved are central to Jao’s vision for the role. It’s a task she suggested will be enriched by her time at the University and appreciation for the complexity of student life.
“I’ve experienced a small and specific slice of McGill life relative to the richness and size of the student body. Over the next five years, the challenge will be to learn to serve the entire student community,” Jao said.
Helping and guiding students
The Ombudsperson’s role is to provide independent, impartial and confidential help to students. This includes guiding students through McGill policies and regulations. Students can reach out when unsure about which policy or regulation applies to a challenging situation they may be facing, or if they feel one has been used against them erroneously or unfairly.
The Ombudsperson may also, where appropriate, review University policies, guidelines and procedures affecting students, make recommendations for change and promote discussion of student-related concerns across the University.
Jao’s vision for the role
Jao said insights shared by students will inspire her efforts to effect change that will improve their overall experience at McGill.
“I hope to identify patterns and use these observations to expand the role beyond individual cases and create dialogue between the institution and the student perspective,” she said.
Jao said she feels honoured to have the opportunity to serve and to continue giving back to McGill, “a community that has provided me with so many experiences and opportunities. What a privilege it is to contribute in such a meaningful and important way, so that all students can thrive.”
To learn more about the Ombudsperson, visit the office webpage. To request help or guidance, email ombudsperson@mcgill.ca.