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 Don’t be afraid to ask By Trey Reckling Frequently people come to the office of the Savannah College of Art and Design ombudsman curious to know if they have talked to everyone they need to talk to in search of the answer or outcome for which they are hoping. There are instances when a person has not talked to the correct person or department, and an official outcome has yet to be determined. Other times, it turns out that they have indeed exhausted all resources and official college policies have worked as designed, but the answer is simply not what the student wanted. Many students say they can live with an answer they do not like as long as they know that they were treated fairly. Often students have questions for which they would like answers but, for one reason or another, they have not approached the individual or department that holds the key. Whether it is the fear of rejection or simply being concerned how asking a certain question may make them look, many students simply do not ask. This action of inaction is a fairly normal human response but not one that always serves individuals well. After all, failing to pursue a concern or question is likely the best way to ensure that nothing changes. Policies such as appeals exist to protect students and provide checks and balances to the fairness of the system. Whether it is an appeal for a parking citation, a grade change or a student judicial outcome, these avenues exist to enable the student to have the situation re-examined for second consideration. Even outside of formal processes, students should engage faculty and staff members in conversation and be willing to ask questions about policies that affect them. Students may also have creative ideas that could in some way improve the college. Sharing these ideas in a constructive and tactful way can help contribute to the further success of the college. The office of the ombudsman serves as a confidential and informal resource for students who may not be sure who to talk to or how to approach a concern. While there is no guarantee that a student will win an appeal or be given the answer that he/she wants from a faculty or staff member, one thing is certain: The question can only be answered if it is posed. Reckling is the college’s ombudsman. |
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