About Ombuds
The Ombuds Office follows the guidelines and standards of the International Ombuds Association and serves as a voluntary resource for employees and students. The office may also serve as a resource for the university by identifying problem areas or issues that need to be addressed.
Ombuds can:
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Listen to your concerns, discuss them with you and help identify options for resolution.
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Answer your questions or connect you with someone who can.
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Explain how university policies and procedures work.
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Mediate disputes or facilitate communication among individuals in conflict.
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Coach you on strategies to address a problem independently.
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Explore your concern by gathering information and perspectives from others and engaging in shuttle diplomacy.
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Recommend updates to policies or practices that appear outdated or problematic.
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Review perceived procedural irregularities in grievance processes.
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Refer you to the appropriate office if you wish to file a formal complaint.
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Inform university officials about patterns of concerns or systemic issues.
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Offer additional assistance to help you resolve problems informally.
Ombuds cannot:
- Change rules or policies unilaterally.
- Overturn decisions or supersede the authority of other university officials.
- Duplicate existing grievance procedures.
Download the Info Sheet
Contact the Ombuds Office
Have a concern and aren’t sure where to go for help?
Contact An Ombuds Representative Submit A Question or Concern