Office of Ombuds Services

May 2, 2021: GPS ombud committed to improving the Ohio State experience

A pattern of red buckeye leaves on a white background
On Feb. 1, Dr. Rebeka Campos-Astorkiza began the newly created role of graduate and professional student (GPS) ombudsperson.
“I find a lot of satisfaction, at a professional and personal level, from working with graduate and professional students, and I look forward to expanding my experience with them across campus since I am truly committed to finding positive ways to bring about structural changes that will improve their experience at Ohio State."

Graduate and Professional Student (GPS) Ombudsperson Dr. Rebeka Campos-Astorkiza is an independent, confidential*, neutral and informal resource for all graduate and professional students at The Ohio State University.

Ohio State's GPS ombud:
  • offers a safe and confidential place to speak and be heard by a neutral listener,
  • helps students explore options, but allows them to decide the path they choose,
  • assists students in navigating their way through university systems,
  • helps seek resolution, facilitating communication between individuals or groups.

It is the goal of the GPS ombud to support a positive learning and work environment and ensure fairness and equity for graduate and professional students. 

Visit the GPS ombud website to learn more about how the office supports the Ohio State community.

GPS ombudsperson website

Rebeka Campos-Astorkiza, an associate professor of Hispanic linguistics, is the inaugural GPS ombudsperson. 

Campos-Astorkiza, who is director for graduate studies in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, has been repeatedly recognized for her work with students since joining Ohio State in 2007. The Council of Graduate Students honored her with the James M. Siddens Award for Distinguished Faculty Advising in 2014, and she earned the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award last year.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain; and her master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

The office of the graduate and professional ombud opened on Feb. 1, 2021.