Yes, online counseling via platforms such as Zoom is available. If you contact the Ombudsperson’s Office (02-880-2007) to request online counseling, you will be connected with the appropriate Ombudsperson. The counseling schedule will be coordinated directly between you and the assigned Ombudsperson.

Any member of Seoul National University - including students, faculty members, and staff - is eligible to file a complaint.

Yes, you may file a complaint anonymously. However, even in anonymous cases, you are still required to participate in an in-person or online meeting with the Ombudsperson after filing the complaint.

Confidentiality is the Ombudsperson’s core principle. The complainant’s identity will not be disclosed without their consent, and the content of the complaint will not be shared with any outside party unless it is absolutely necessary for the investigation. In cases where it is necessary to provide information to the respondent or a related agency, the Ombudsperson will typically obtain the complainant’s prior consent. If consent is not granted, the investigation will not proceed.

The Ombudsperson respects the complainant’s wishes. A complaint may be withdrawn at any time - verbally, by email, or in writing. Even after a complaint is withdrawn, you may submit a new complaint on the same issue at a later time.

The Ombudsperson does not act as a representative for either party. Instead, they seek to resolve issues impartially, based on objective facts and relevant regulations. To fulfill this role, the Ombudsperson operates independently and is free from external influence. If an Ombudsperson has a direct interest in a case, they will either be excluded from handling it or must recuse themselves.

Recognizing that it may be difficult for some individuals to come forward directly, the Ombudsperson allows complaints to be filed by third parties. The Ombudsperson gives priority to the wishes of the person directly concerned. If that person clearly expresses a desire not to proceed, the case will be closed.

If the issue involves disciplinary action within SNU, the case will be referred to the Human Rights Center Counseling Office, subject to the complainant’s consent. If the case appears to involve a criminal offense or civil tort, the Ombudsperson will advise or guide the complainant to report the matter to the relevant government agency, such as the Labor Office or the police.