Networking 1












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            13a: Ombuds work within a national network: how to relate with peers and with the governan

            Rosa Maria Vasconcelos (Portugal), Berta Batista (Portugal)

            Integrating the Portuguese higher education community, which shares cultures, values and f

            principles of the Universal Charter of Human Rights and the rule of law, RPE's main object
            a stable and permanent forum that allows networking, transfer and exchange of knowledge, i
            and experiences related to the Student Ombudsmen, as well as the defence of students' righ

            space of the Higher Education Institutions. The work developed in RPE will be presented as
            interaction with the national government.


            Presenter(s):
            Rosa Maria Vasconcelos: The Student Ombudsperson is an independent entity created at the U

            Minho, with the mission is to promote and defend the rights and interests of students in t
            university life.
            The activity of this entity covers all the organs, services and members of the University 

            Schools/Institutes and the Welfare Services. This enjoys full autonomy in relation to thes
            governed by the principles of neutrality and confidentiality.
            The Ombudsperson examines the complaints, submissions or claims made by students against a

            of the University’s bodies and services. He/she acts as a mediator and suggests solutions.
            reports to prevent or remedy unfair or irregular situations.
            ?

            Berta Batista: The Student Ombudsman defends the rights and ensures the interests of the a
            of P.PORTO by mediating in an independent, impartial and confidential way. Its role is to 
            legality of the actions carried out by management bodies, services and all those involved 

            educational process and their compliance with the objectives of promoting institutional qu
            academic success. Students can file individual or collective claims connected to actions o
            by any agent, service or authority in P.PORTO and its various schools. They can also make 

            concerning educational services and social services. The Student Ombudsman and their staff
            confidentiality on all information to which they have access.




            13b: Re-framing international cooperation among university Ombudsperson offices

            Jorge A. Ribeiro Pereira (Portugal), Guadalupe Barrena (Mexico)

            The practice of Ombudsperson offices responds and varies according to institutional cultur

            different regions, diversity in Ombudsperson practice yields a variety of results and form
            common issues. A re-framing of global Ombudsperson cooperation should take into account th
            and yet, take stock of the learning opportunities we have in an ever globalized world, whe

            face common challenges, and share a common role in democratic societies. We need to develo
            to exchange practices, and to critically compare and contrast our methods of work; all wit
              environment of Ombudsperson life.


            Presenter(s):
            Jorge A. Ribeiro Pereira: Student Ombudsperson

            Guadalupe Barrena: Head of Ombudsperson Office