What we do

Our responses are tailored to the individual’s situation.　Accordingly, we:

• Serve as a neutral and confidential listener, information resource, and advisor.

• Discuss your concerns and help clarify the most critical issues.

• Help identify and evaluate your options.

• Gather information, explain the policies and procedures of the University, including the formal grievance process, and offer referrals to other resources.

• Serve as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflicts and work to achieve fair outcomes for all parties using mediation and other conflict resolution strategies.

• Help you prepare for a difficult conversation.

• Advise on the development of policies and procedures.

• Facilitate conversations and provide mediation.

• Identify patterns, trends, or problem areas, and highlight them to the University leadership.

• Make recommendations for institutional change when appropriate.

• Operate according to the code of ethics and standards of practice of the International Ombuds Association. www.ombudsassociation.org

What we do not do  

 To ensure our core principles of confidentiality, impartiality, informality, and independence, we do not:

• Make decisions for you or anyone else.

• Offer legal advice.

• Offer psychological counseling.

• Participate in the University’s grievance process or any other formal process.

• Testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding unless required by law.

• Serve as a place to put the University on notice of claims.

• Make or change decisions, rules, or policies.

• Conduct formal investigations.

• Serve as an advocate for any individual or the University. 

FAQ