After briefly reviewing the history and characteristics of the office of the Ombudsman, the author discusses the establishment of that office at Michigan State University. The functions of the Ombudsman, who is to be appointed by the President from among the senior faculty are to establish procedures for receiving requests, complaints, and grievances of students, and to assist students in settling their problems expeditiously. He is to have broad investigatory powers and ready access to all University officials from the President down. The office opened in the Fall of 1967. Complaints have fallen in two broad categories: nonacademic problems-e.g., fees and tuition, housing, vehicle registration and traffic regulations, student employment, use of University facilities and services, and personal problems-and academic problems-e.g., admission and registration, instruction, academic requirements, academic status, and academic advice. In functioning in the Office, the Ombudsman has had to listen, advise, explain, refer and review. The possibility of appealing grievances has been of considerable importance to the students. (AF)