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.