OmbudOffice@unisa.edu.au
Student Counselling Services
- Metropolitan and UniSA Online students - 1300 301 703
- Mount Gambier 8723 1999
- Whyalla 8645 8233
Crisis and Emergency Contacts
- Mental Health Services 13 14 65
- Lifeline (24 hour counselling) 13 11 14
- Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service 8226 8787
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
As Student Ombud Franco acts as a designated, neutral and impartial dispute resolution practitioner who provides University-wide advice to students who are encountering difficulties in the interpretation and management of policies, guidelines and procedures governing student-related activities. He acts as 'the final port of call' to ensure that all students receive fair and equitable treatment within the University, when all available internal mechanisms have been exhausted.
The Student Ombud acts as the 'advocate for fairness', not for any individual nor the University. Franco works with students and staff to provide advice on how best to try to resolve problems themselves and where necessary, reviews the processes undertaken to... Read more
About me
As Student Ombud Franco acts as a designated, neutral and impartial dispute resolution practitioner who provides University-wide advice to students who are encountering difficulties in the interpretation and management of policies, guidelines and procedures governing student-related activities. He acts as 'the final port of call' to ensure that all students receive fair and equitable treatment within the University, when all available internal mechanisms have been exhausted.
The Student Ombud acts as the 'advocate for fairness', not for any individual nor the University. Franco works with students and staff to provide advice on how best to try to resolve problems themselves and where necessary, reviews the processes undertaken to reach a decision. Where possible Franco will act as a 'go-between' to establish whether a solution can be reached between the student and the University. The service is confidential and the Student Ombud cannot act without your approval. If you require the assistance of the Student Ombud, please contact OmbudOffice@unisa.edu.au or call (08) 8302 0911.
Franco holds degrees in Economics and Social Work (post graduate) and is an Accredited Mediator and Workplace Trainer.
Franco commenced working at the University of South Australia in 2011 and was the Associate Director Employee Relations until 2017. Before joining the University, Franco worked for the Attorney General's Department (Equal Opportunity Commission) as a Conciliator and Manager Training and Education Services.
During his time with the University he has developed a reputation for providing considered, tailored advice and coaching on effective communication, conflict resolution and equity and diversity to students and staff.
In his private life he manages a small vineyard in the Adelaide Hills and enjoys winemaking, playing and listening to music.
About me
Resolution Institute (previously LEADR Association of Dispute Resolvers)
Australian Higher Education Industrial Association
About me
Bachelor of Economics Flinders University
Bachelor of Social Work Admin (Soc Work) Flinders University
Associate Director, Employee Relations: University of South Australia
Conciliator and Manager Education Services : Attorney Generals Department (South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission)
Manager Workforce Strategy : Department for Families and Communities
Mediator/Investigator/Trainer : DQ Consulting
English Language Teacher : Wall St Institute of Languages (Ravenna, Italy)
Social Worker : Families SA
Economist : Office for Employment and Training