Ombudsman
If you are involved in a dispute or conflict with another student or university staff member and would like professional assistance in finding the best solution to your situation, you can contact the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will investigate the matter and work with you to find the best solution. You can find more information about the Ombudsman here.
When to contact the Ombudsman?
- when you need a third-party opinion or someone who will listen to your problems in strict confidence and advise on how to proceed;
- when you need help resolving a complicated issue that you cannot handle on your own;
- when you feel you have been mistreated;
- when you are involved in a conflict that is affecting your ability to function at the University;
- when you need a mediator or a facilitator;
- when you do not know whom to turn to with your problem.
Each case addressed to the Ombudsman will be treated seriously and all complaints will be investigated. The Ombudsman guarantees anonymity and confidentiality. After investigating the case, the Ombudsman will propose possible solution.
If requested by the interested party, the Ombudsman will contact the competent institutions on their behalf. In some cases, the Ombudsman may recommend mediation.
The Ombudsman Office:
Dobra 56/66, (Warsaw University Library building, 1st floor, room 1.60 C)
00-312 Warsaw
Phone: (+48) 22 55 27 019
E-mail: ombudsman@uw.edu.pl
Anti-discrimination and equality
- Equality plenipotentiaries
Equality plenipotentiaries are appointed in faculties, units, and doctoral schools. They are the first point of contact for persons who have experienced discrimination. They provide the necessary support and refer the case to the relevant University authorities. The list of equality plenipotentiaries is available here.
- Team of Coordinators for counteracting unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing, and other undesirable behaviour
Members of the UW community who have experienced inappropriate treatment can file a formal complaint with the Team of Coordinators by submitting a paper/email report or filling in a complaint form.
The Coordinator investigates the report and promptly interviews the reporting person.
If the likelihood of undesirable behaviour is confirmed, the matter is referred to the appropriate Commission – the Unequal Treatment and Discrimination Commission or the Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviour Commission.
The Coordinator may also refer the reporting person (with their consent) to the appropriate university unit to help resolve the problem (psychological, legal, or mediation support) or offer crisis support.
E-mail: zespolkoordynatorow@uw.edu.pl
- University Commissions
At the University of Warsaw, two specialised commissions operate within the formal complaint procedure: the Commission for Unequal Treatment and Discrimination and the Commission for Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviour.
These Commissions examine formal complaints concerning discrimination, unequal treatment (including harassment and sexual harassment), as well as mobbing and other undesirable behaviours within the academic community (reffered by The Team of Coordinators for counteracting unequal treatment, discrimination, mobbing, and other undesirable behaviour).
Their role is to issue opinions on the case, along with recommendations regarding further action. These opinions are then forwarded to the Rector and the relevant authorities, who may take appropriate disciplinary or organisational measures.
The Commission for Unequal Treatment and Discrimination’s office is run by Aleksandra Gniadzik-Smolińska, e-mail: komisja.antydyskryminacyjna@uw.edu.pl.
The Commission for Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviour’s Office is run by Elżbieta Felkner, e-mail: elzbieta.felkner@adm.uw.edu.pl.
Legal Clinic
The Legal Clinic (Klinika Prawa) is a free-of-charge student legal aid centre established at the Faculty of Law and Administration. Legal advice is provided by a group of students at the end of their studies to anyone who needs it but cannot afford to pay for it. The students are supervised by professional lawyers.
The Legal Clinic offers assistance in the fields of medical, civil, criminal, administrative, and employment law, as well as in matters relating to international jurisdiction and issues concerning prisoners and refugees. Appointments can be made in person or by telephone.
Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28 (Collegium Iuridicum I, room 102)
00-927 Warsaw
Phone/fax: (+48) 22 55 24 318
Phone: (+48) 22 55 20 811, (+48) 532 824 729
E-mail: klinika@wpia.uw.edu.pl
Academic Legal Advice Centre
The Academic Legal Advice Centre (Akademicka Poradnia Prawna) is a unit providing free legal assistance to students of Warsaw universities. Legal advice is provided by fourth-year students from the Faculty of Law and Administration to all students who require such assistance. The students are supervised by professional legal advisers.
They provide legal advice on student matters (study regulations, financial aid regulations), as well as civil law, family and guardianship law, employment law, and administrative law. The Clinic does not provide advice on criminal or tax law. Making an appointment is not necessary; simply visit the office during opening hours.
Krakowskie Przedmieście 24 (Students’ Council building, room 109)
00-927 Warsaw
Phone: (+48) 22 826 49 99, (+48) 22 826 56 13
E-mail: biuro@akademickaporadniaprawna.pl
