Our Staff
Marit Bessesen
Ombudsman
bessesen@mail.sdsu.edu
Marit Bessesen is currently the Ombudsman at San Diego State University. Marit protects the rights and interests of students, affords relief, and restores harmony in difficult situations. She guides students with a complaint through normal and/or official channels for redress and acts as a mediator in the resolution of conflict. Marit advises students of their rights and delineates procedures to be followed in filing a grievance with the Student Grievance Committee and assists the complainant with the presentation of materials. She conducts investigations with tact, diplomacy and discretion, respecting the individual's right to privacy and protecting the individual against retribution. Marit also recognizes complaints which lack merit and tactfully advises the student accordingly.
Before serving in the Ombudsman role, Marit worked at San Diego State University as a Residence Hall Coordinator for the Department of Residential Education.
Marit is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a B.A. Degree in English Education in 2000. Marit taught high school and middle school Language Arts for one year before attending Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, where she achieved a Master's of Arts Degree in Human Development. During this time she served congruently as an advisor for Career Services at Winona State University.
Karla Ramirez
Administrative Support Coordinator
ramirez@mail.sdsu.edu
Karla is the Administrative Support Coordinator and often, the initial point of contact in the Office of the Ombudsman. She started working as a student assistant for the office in 1998 while completing her degree at SDSU and has since continued working as a staff member of the campus community. Karla obtained a B.A. degree in Psychology from San Diego State University in 2001.
She enjoys working with the students, faculty, and staff, that every day contact the Ombudsman’s Office in hopes of seeking assistance, be directed to the right department on campus, or just need to “vent” away their frustration.
Karla also serves as the Student Grievance Committee Secretary.