Services & Limitations
The Faculty Ombuds provides services in a neutral and informal manner.
SERVICES
Listening: The Ombuds listens to your concerns, complaints, and/or questions and discusses steps to resolve the problem informally.
Developing Options: As a neutral party, the Ombuds can help you identify and evaluate options to address the issue or conflict.
Communication Approaches: The Ombuds can provide assistance identifying strategies for opening a difficult conversation.
Policy Support: The Ombuds provides information about University policies and procedures as well as makes recommendations for review of policies and procedures to the appropriate University entities.
Facilitation & Mediation: As a neutral party, the Ombuds can assist with informal mediation.
Shuttle Diplomacy: Through discussions with a visitor, the Ombuds can reach out individually between parties to help resolve conflict.
Resources & Referrals: The Ombuds will help you find assistance with the appropriate office.
LIMITATIONS
Does Not Participate in Formal Processes: The Faculty Ombuds Office is an informal dispute resolution resource. The Ombuds does not make decisions, findings of fact, or determine “guilt” or “innocence.” The decision to use a formal grievance process is up to you and the Ombuds will refer you to the appropriate office to handle that process.
Not a Personal Advocate: The Ombuds is always neutral and cannot serve as an advocate for any individual or group.
No Legal or Mental Health Counseling: The University Ombuds does not provide legal or mental health counseling, but will provide the appropriate resources and referrals to you.
No Policy Authority: The Ombuds does not make decisions, change or set aside policies or administrative decisions.
Anonymous Information: The Ombuds does not review anonymous information submitted to this office. The Ombuds will forward anonymous submissions to the appropriate division, college or department head.