An ombuds assists individuals and groups in the resolution of conflicts or concerns.
Ombuds work in all types of organizations, including government agencies, colleges
and universities, corporations, hospitals and other medical facilities, and news organizations.
Ombuds: Unusual name, important service. Ombuds: Confidential, neutral, informal, independent. Ombuds: Exploring options to resolve conflicts and concerns.
What We Do
Listen
Offer information about university policies and procedures
Discuss concerns and clarify the issues
Help identify and evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem
Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
Help visitors prepare for a difficult conversation
Facilitate communication, indirectly or through shuttle diplomacy with concerned parties
Work for collaborative agreements
Track perceived issues and trends
Make recommendations for institutional change
Do all our work informally
What We Don't Do
Make decisions for a visitor
Establish, change or set aside policies
Offer legal advice
Offer psychological counseling
Participate in formal processes such as academic grievance procedures
Serve as an agent of notice for the university
Serve as an advocate for any individual
Participate in formal investigations or write case reports
Serve as a neutral adjudicator of complaints
Create or maintain records or reports for the organization except for an annual report
to the Faculty Senate
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.