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Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more
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Office of the Ombudsman

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Tri-C’s Office of the Ombudsman (“Ombuds”) is a safe and neutral space to help students.

The Ombuds may help students:

  • Informally resolve a conflict with another student
  • Prepare for difficult conversations with any member of the Tri-C community
  • Discuss concerns and help clarify issues
  • Help identify next steps
  • Discuss resources
  • Provide equitable measures to support student success

The Ombuds will not act as a representative of or an advocate for any party in a dispute, instead the Ombuds will listen, guide, coach, educate and empower students to help them in their decision-making. It is ultimately up to the student to choose their own path to a resolution.

The Ombuds is a confidential resource. However, the Ombuds must report if a visitor shares something that suggests an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. Also, it must report matters mandated by College policy or federal or state law to the appropriate authorities, such as discrimination, harassment or Title IX violations.

Faculty and staff members are also encouraged to reach out to the Ombuds on behalf of students with their concerns and conflicts, in addition to other College resources or to discuss the currently available resources.

The Ombuds Office at Tri-C

Why might you contact the Ombuds?

The Ombuds may be able to help if you find yourself asking any of the following questions:

  • Can they do that?
  • Who do I talk to?
  • Am I misreading the situation?
  • What are my options? Is there a College policy or procedure to help address my concern?
  • How did I get lost in the bureaucracy?
  • With whom can I informally discuss a situation and explore my options and/or alternatives?

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes. You may complete a referral form or contact Meghan Estes at 216-987-3949 or email meghan.estes@tri-c.edu. You do not need to explain your reason for contacting the Ombuds office — you may simply say you wish to visit with the Ombuds and save the rest of the information for your meeting.

Appointments can also be held over the phone or virtually.

Ombuds Referral Form

  • Offer a safe place for students to discuss problems
  • Help students evaluate the available options
  • Listen attentively and empathetically and ask clarifying questions
  • Provide coaching as needed (e.g., preparing for a difficult conversation)
  • Help explain College policies and procedures
  • Offer referrals to the appropriate Tri-C offices to resolve the students’ concerns

  • Make decisions for anyone or determine guilt
  • Advocate for either party involved in an informal conflict
  • Offer legal advice or mental health counseling
  • Participate in any formal grievance process

Visiting the Ombuds office does NOT constitute putting the College on official notice.

The Ombuds will ask questions to help clarify your concern or issue. They will listen without judgement and help you to identify your options. The path that you take to resolve your concern is ultimately up to you! The Ombuds will not act or initiate conversations regarding your concern with others without your express permission.

No. Communication with the Ombuds is “off the record” except when mandated by College policy or federal or state law. If you want to make a formal complaint or pursue a formal remedy, the Ombuds can refer you to the appropriate College office.

Resources

College Policies and Procedures
Office of Student Affairs
Student Accessibility Services
Counseling Center
Office of Institutional Equity
Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
Campus Police and Security Services

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzer (2002)

High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley (2021)

How to reach us

Meghan Estes
Ombudsman
meghan.estes@tri-c.edu
216-987-3949

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700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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