THUNDER BAY — A new ombudsperson began work Tuesday at Lakehead University.
The university and the LU Student Union announced the hiring of Elizabeth Garofalo.
She is a licensed lawyer and three-time graduate of Lakehead, with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (English) degree, Master of Arts (English) degree and a law degree.
The Office of the Ombudsperson at Lakehead is co-funded by the university and LUSU and is an impartial and confidential support service independent of the university's administrative structure.
According to the joint announcement, the purpose of the office is to ensure all students, faculty and staff are treated fairly and equitably.
It said the ombudsperson can help informally with a variety of issues, including academic concerns such as courses, placements, grading, appeals and plagiarism, as well as non-academic concerns ranging from financial aid to interpersonal conflicts, housing, employment and misconduct.
Garofalo was not immediately available for an interview, but the statement noted that in her legal career, she has conducted trials, hearings and mediations involving several different areas of law.
At law school, she worked as a supervising caseworker at Lakehead University Community Legal Services, and she completed her articles at a civil and commercial litigation firm in Toronto.
Prior to being appointed ombudsperson, Garofalo worked as a staff lawyer at Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic, where she represented low-income clients in hearings before the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Social Benefits Tribunal.
