Eastern Michigan University announced that Kathryn Farkas will now be operating as the new Ombuds Officer on Monday, April 15.
According to the Ombud's website, this office "serves as a resource for students at Eastern Michigan University that provides consultation on a variety of issues that are both academic and nonacademic by nature as it pertains to EMU." At the university, the officers act as a neutral party between students, faculty, and staff.
Farkas recieved her Bachelor's in public administration at the University of Michigan-Flint and continued her education at Vanderbilt University receiving a Master's degree in higher education and administration. Farkas has been working at EMU since 2022 as the Title IX administrative and educational programming assistant. Now as an Ombud, she will be serving as a public advocate for students.
"With this role, I'm excited to have a wider impact on campus; I'm excited to have that level of impact. I'm not the one to make those changes individually, but I can take the concerns of students by bringing that to the office and share with other administrators by mentioning that students are experiencing a gap in those services in certain areas or it's not clear in syllable language to help those service better accessible to our students on campus. Since we are the last stop, where students can get answers and coach them on their struggles," Farkas said.
As of now, Farkas is the only current officer within the office, but she sees no problem picking up this role.
"What I like about EMU is how all the offices work together by connecting to other services and walking students through certain services that work best for those students in time of need or who are just looking for the proper resources," Farkas said.
Students and faculty can reach the office in room 248 of the Student Center, in addition to calling their phone number 734-487-0074 or emailing emu_ombuds@emich.edu. Community members can also make appointments with Farkas through phone, zoom or in-person meetings.
"The way you're feeling is usual; we've all had to ask for help, and the only way to move forward or change a situation is it takes a village to help. We want students to succeed and achieve goals, and the best way for them to tell us is to speak up," Farkas said.
