Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson (Garante dei Diritti)  is an independent, autonomous body that intervenes when any member of the University community reports alleged infringements of the rights and freedoms set out in Article 2 of the University Statute, or breaches of impartiality, transparency and fairness in University activities. Alleged violations of the Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities may also be submitted to the Ombudsperson.

The Ombudsperson facilitates dialogue between the parties involved to resolve the issues raised and may issue a reasoned opinion.

The Academic Senate appoints the Ombudsperson from external candidates of recognised impartiality and independence, with proven expertise in dispute resolution.

Dr Carmelo Cantone serves as Rights Ombudsperson for the 2025–2029 term.

Members of the University community (teaching staff, researchers, students, technical and administrative staff) may seek protection if they believe their fundamental rights and freedoms set out in the University Statute, particularly in Article 2, have been infringed.

Requests submitted to the Ombudsperson may also concern the principles of impartiality, transparency and fairness in University activities, as well as the provisions of the Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities (Carta dei diritti e dei doveri degli studenti). Finally, the Ombudsperson may be contacted regarding violations of the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Personal Freedom and Dignity (Codice di Comportamento per la protezione della libertà e della dignità della persona).

You can contact the Office of the Ombudsperson by emailing garante.diritti(at)unifi.it according to the instructions provided. Submitting a request to the Ombudsperson does not interrupt or suspend the deadlines for filing any other permissible administrative appeal.

Applicants must outline the case they wish to report and attach any previous correspondence with the relevant University offices or bodies, particularly any responses already received. Full confidentiality regarding the identity of applicants is guaranteed, especially for requests concerning the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Personal Freedom and Dignity.