Cal Poly’s Student Ombuds Services will be discontinued as of October 6, 2025, announced this morning in an email by the Office of the President. The service is a safe and confidential space for students to discuss conflict over the last 15 years.
“The university has introduced a variety of new programs that fulfill similar functions,” Jen Haft, the Chief of Staff said in the email. “By consolidating these offerings, we aim to provide clearer pathways for students seeking assistance and ensure a more unified approach to addressing concerns.”
Student Ombuds Services was established back in 2010 to provide Cal Poly students with a confidential, impartial and independent place to discuss university-related issues, concerns, conflicts or complaints.
READ MORE: Ombuds services opened in 2010
Communications with the office were kept informal and off the record, with confidentiality only limited when there appeared to be imminent risk of serious harm to self or others or issues related to sexual misconduct.
The Student Ombuds Office currently resides on the first level of the Kennedy Library, in room 105F. According to the Cal Poly Executive Communications Specialist Keegan Koberl, plans for the space are still being discussed.
Patricia Ponce has served as student ombuds and has 30 years of experience as an Educational Opportunity Program academic advisor. Following the discontinuation of the services, she will take on a new role within University Housing.
According to the Office of the President, students looking for comparable services will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students, which will provide connections to the most suitable campus resources.
