Welcome to the Iowa State University Ombuds Office

 

Free, confidential ombuds services are offered to help faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate and professional students resolve university-related matters.

As a reminder, ombuds services are independent, neutral, and confidential. They are an informal resource for employees, but are not meant to replace an employee’s ability and responsibility to speak with their manager to informally resolve issues.


 

 

Contact:

Ombuds  

Laura Smythe  

Email: ombuds@iastate.edu  

Phone: 515-450-7186  

  

Administrative Specialist  

Kay Mwanza  

Email: kmwanza@iastate.edu  

Phone: 515-294-0165  

 

Administrative Specialist office hours:   
Monday-Friday  
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

 

Office location: 2012A-C Agronomy  

To contact the Ombuds office via a secure contact form, please use the link below: 


News

August 18, 2022

Welcome to Ombuds Laura Smythe

Laura Smythe ("Sm-eye-th") became the university ombuds on April 18, and after working remotely for three months, arrived on campus Aug. 1.


March 3, 2022

Ombuds service for employees returns in-house

Laura Smythe ("Sm'eye'th") has been named Iowa State's next university ombuds and will start in the post April 18.