OUR MISSION
To promote and support independent, fair, and equitable ombuds practice in Canadian colleges and universities.
We do this by:
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Advocating for the establishment and sustainability of ombuds offices
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Providing training and professional development for practitioners
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Developing and sharing resources and tools for effective practice
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Fostering a national network of peer support and collaboration
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Advancing standards of practice grounded in ethics and equity
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Encouraging research and systemic improvements in post-secondary education
OUR VISION
A future where all members of Canada’s post-secondary community have equitable access to fairness.
about
WHO WE ARE
"national voice for higher education ombuds professionals across Canada"
The Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons (ACCUO) is the national voice for campus ombuds professionals across Canada. Since our founding in 1983, we have worked to strengthen fairness, accountability, and equity in higher education by supporting the development and practice of independent ombuds services.
Our members represent a diverse range of institutions, from small colleges to large universities, from urban campuses to remote communities, brought together by a shared commitment to fair and equitable processes in higher education.
WHAT WE DO
"provide resources, training, and a supportive professional network"
We provide resources, training, and a supportive professional network for those working in, or seeking to establish, ombuds offices in the post-secondary sector. Our services are grounded in the core values of the ombuds role:
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Independence
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Impartiality
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Confidentiality
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Accessibility
Through professional development opportunities, peer networking, resource sharing, and national advocacy, ACCUO fosters excellence in ombuds practice and works to ensure that post-secondary institutions uphold the rights and dignity of their communities.