Student Ombuds Program
The Student Ombuds serve as neutral and confidential* resources and thought partners for students who are considering their options for addressing an issue, especially in situations where there are power and positionality differences. The Ombuds can support students who are experiencing or observing unfair treatment, communication breakdown, tension, or other challenging interpersonal matters, particularly when the other party is in a position of power in relation to the student (e.g., a professor, coach, or supervisor).
Although separate from the University’s Ombudsperson for staff and faculty, the Student Ombuds use similar conflict resolution and restorative justice practices.
Here are just a few examples of the ways Student Ombuds can offer support:
- Hold a safe and supportive conversational space, simply listening and serving as an impartial sounding board
- Provide insight on how to start and manage a challenging conversation with a professor
- Serve as thought partners for students working through an issue with a coach or trainer
- Offer tools on how to approach resolving a conflict with an employment supervisor
- Share information on support resources
- Explain and demystify formal reporting and complaint processes
- Communicate any patterns of concern to university leadership
The Wesleyan Student Ombuds Program was informed and inspired by student voices, and they partner with and are supported by Dr. April Ruiz, Associate Vice President and Dean for Equity & Inclusion.
*The Student Ombuds stand with survivors of sexual misconduct, though they do not serve as a confidential resource for these matters. If you need confidential support related to sexual misconduct, please reach out to CAPS, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, or the Sexual Violence Prevention staff at WesWell.
Connect
The Student Ombuds are available for one-on-one appointments. Students can book a time using the calendars found here.
If you'd like to request a workshop or partnership, or if you have any general questions, please email studentombud@wesleyan.edu.
Follow us on Instagram for updates and useful content: @wes_ombuds
You can also reach out to Dr. April Ruiz, Associate Vice President and Dean for Equity & Inclusion, who oversees and supports the Student Ombuds program, aruiz01@wesleyan.edu
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JACEY HENRY, she/her, jahenry@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2027
What are your academic interests? MB&B; Science and Technology Studies (STS)
What are you involved in at Wes? Wesleyan Period Coalition; Kpop Dance Crew; Black Undergraduate Medical Association (BUMA); WesWell Peer Health Intern
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I’m a very picky eater but I am trying to be more open to new foods.
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? Stemming from my own experiences as an international student, I want to be a resource for my peers to consult on whatever they are struggling with to ensure our success at Wesleyan. I was also inspired by serving in a similar capacity as a peer counselor at my alma mater so I wanted to continue supporting my peers through conflict resolution, academic and financial struggles and more.
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Camryn Warsaw, she/her, cwarsaw@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2029
What are your academic interests? Psychology, Sociology
What are you involved in at Wes? Wesleyan Club Water Polo (Co-Ed and Women’s), Research Assistant for a Psychology Lab, WesHabitat
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I love music! I was the drum major of my high school’s marching band, and I can play clarinet, bass clarinet, and a little bit of guitar. I also love to sing, but I get stage fright, so I mostly do it in the car or in the shower where I’m alone.
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? In holding the belief that no one should struggle alone, I enjoy seeking opportunities to help shoulder and guide people through any issues that they encounter. Here at Wesleyan, I feel that Student Ombuds is a fantastic way to do this, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team! I hope that we can help the student body and make a positive difference in the Wesleyan community.
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Tariq El Mammann, he/him, telmammann@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2028
What are your academic interests? Economics Major
What are you involved in at Wes? Football and Wesleyan Investment Group
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I am actually half Japanese and half Nigerian.
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? I want to be there for students who want to share but don’t know how. The role that student groups play on college campuses is important and I’d like to contribute to that resource in any way I can.
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SOFIA MARKHAM, she/her, smarkham@wesleyan.edu
Class year: 2027
What are your academic interests? Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (MB&B)
What are you involved in at Wes? Organic chemistry research, Run Club, Women’s Club Soccer, Science Education Club, WesMaSS, and the McNair Scholars Program
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I’m Chilean—my mom is from Chile, and I officially became a citizen two years ago. Before starting at Wesleyan, I took a gap year and worked as a hiking guide in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. It was an incredible experience that taught me so much about the region, Chilean culture, and myself!
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? College is full of firsts, like figuring out caffeine limits, navigating friend drama, and receiving a failing grade. It can feel impossible and overwhelming at times, and during those moments, I find it incredibly helpful to have someone to talk to or even just someone who will listen. I often walk away feeling much better. I want to do my best to offer that same support and be a resource for you. Come chat!
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CAROLYN CHENG, she/her, ccheng01@wesleyan.edu
** Carolyn is studying abroad in Fall 2026, and will be unavailable for appointments during this time **
Class year: 2028
What are your academic interests? Psychology; Music
What are you involved in at Wes? The Mixolydians (acapella); Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA); Pinoy Club; Asian American Student Collective (AASC); Kpop Dance Crew (KDC)
What is something someone might not know just by looking at you? I enjoy crocheting stuffed animals!
Why are you serving as a Student Ombud? I want to support my peers by providing a space where they can voice their concerns and practice self-advocacy, so that they can thrive at Wesleyan.