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What is an Ombuds Anyway?

The Ombuds can consult on all matters of concern or conflict among employees ������Ƶ State, regardless of rank, affiliation or union membership.

In keeping with the , consultation with the University Ombuds does not constitute a formal complaint, although any of the following might be recommendations or options provided by the Ombuds:

• Individual Coaching on resolving a particular matter
• Mediation between individuals in a conflict
• Neutral facilitation of a group working through challenging issues

PRIVATE | INFORMAL | IMPARTIAL | INDEPENDENT 

PRIVATE

• No one outside the Ombuds office will know about your visit; no notes are taken; and no record of the meeting is preserved
• We may agree together that the Ombuds should reach out to other individuals or groups for clarity or assistance
• Exceptions to privacy include: 
  • Imminent risk or serious harm to you or others
  • Matters involving discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking or retaliation are reported to the Title IX office 

INFORMAL

• Use of Ombuds services is entirely voluntary and offers an alternative or supplement to any formal university processes
• The Ombuds office is not an agent of notice; the office does not accept or participate in formal complaints or legal proceedings
• The Office does not determine fault, conduct investigations, issue recommendations or compel anyone in any way

IMPARTIAL

• We try to understand and help communicate the interests of visitors and offer a soundboard to understand next steps, but we do not:
  
  • Take sides in disputes
  • Try to help one person “win” and another” lose”
  • Act as an advocate for individuals

INDEPENDENT

• The Ombuds office does not represent any one interest of the university
• The Office is housed in University Enterprises but operates autonomously as much as possible
• The Ombuds has a direct line to Appropriate Administrators but
  
  • No one instructs the Ombuds Office on courses of action
  • No one will ask who came to see us or what was discussed