Norma Barrett
University Ombudsperson
As the University Ombudsperson, Norma leads the Office of the University Ombudsperson (OUO) team in continuing to provide impartial and confidential guidance to university community members on matters of procedural fairness. She acts as an essential resource in the fair and equitable resolution of disputes as well as the strengthening institutional structures and decision-making processes.
Norma previously served as the Senior Director, Student Conduct and Care in the Division of Student Affairs, joined Queen's in 2019 as the Director of the Student Conduct Office, with promotion to Senior Director in the summer of 2022. In these roles, Norma has actively worked to strengthen processes and procedures for the fair resolution of complaints under the Student Code of Conduct, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy, and the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence Involving Students. In that time, she has also served the broader university community as a member of the Ombudsperson Advisory Committee, and more recently as Chair of the Sexual Violence Policy Implementation Working Group.
Prior to joining Queen's, Norma served as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces as a Logistics Officer, followed by selection for the Military Legal Training Plan and graduation from Queen's Law in 2011. Norma completed her military career as a legal advisor with responsibilities for oversight of military justice operations in Trenton. During her military career, Norma received recognition for her dedication and commitment to fairness in administrative legal matters.
Heather Trojek
Associate University Ombudsperson
As the Associate University Ombudsperson, Heather provides information, confidential and impartial advice, complaint and conflict resolution, consultation, investigation and diplomacy, ensuring the University community is served effectively.
Over the past twenty years, Heather has worked as a mediator, adjudicator, advocate, prosecutor, investigator, trainer and mentor. During her career, she has worked for all three levels of government practising almost exclusively in administrative law and social justice.
Most recently, Heather was appointed as a Vice Chair at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Licence Appeal Tribunal of Ontario, where she worked from 2016 until she joined Queen鈥檚 in September 2022. As a Vice Chair, Heather conducted hundreds of mediations, hearings and settlement conferences. Heather is committed to fairness and demonstrates inclusiveness and sensitivity when facilitating agreements between parties from diverse communities and with varying interests or perspectives.
Heather graduated from the University of Western Ontario and is a certified Mediator and Adjudicator. Her certification was obtained through Osgoode Professional Development and the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators. Heather is also roster certified mediator with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Heather enjoys trying new recipes, traveling and taking long walks with her mini-golden doodle, Millie.
Kathryn Morrissey
Intake Coordinator
Kathryn is the Intake Coordinator at the Office of the University Ombudsperson. As the first point of contact for the Office she draws on her experience in Student Affairs and Academic Student Services to ensure inquiries are responded to with consideration and empathy. In providing advisory support Kathryn reviews policy and regulations to assist with understanding connections between a situation and the University鈥檚 structures.
To fuel her love of learning Kathryn completed her Master鈥檚 degree in Education with a focus on student services in undergraduate education as a mature student. She has an appreciation for the barriers that people can face in accessing education and thrives on supporting those who are not sure where to turn for assistance. She also holds a BScH degree from U of T in Biological Anthropology and Sociology and a variety of training certificates. In 2012 Kathryn was the recipient of a provincial fire safety award for her contributions to fire safety educational programming in Residences.
Kathryn enjoys mountain biking and is excited to explore nature. She prefers to be outdoors and shares her love of travel and adventure with her family.