An Ombuds is an impartial resource for students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Ombuds’ function is to help visitors to the office find options, in a confidential and informal manner, for addressing concerns, resolving conflicts and handling a variety of institutional issues as they arise.
The Ombuds Office is a place where all are welcome. It supplements, but does not replace, formal college channels for solving problems. Retaliation for visiting the Ombuds is prohibited.
What the Ombuds does
Facilitates conversations between members of the campus community
Discusses concerns, helps clarify or prioritize issues and identifies and evaluates options
Provides coaching as needed (e.g., to help someone prepare for a difficult conversation)
Gathers information, explains policies and offers referrals to other resources
Facilitates the resolution of a conflict using mediation and other strategies to achieve fair and mutually beneficial outcomes
Consults with groups on the development of policies and procedures
Consults with college officials about broad issues and trends
Makes recommendations for institutional change, when appropriate
The following are examples of topics a visitor may want to discuss:
Interpersonal difficulties
Student life
A perceived violation of college policy
Discrimination
Harassment
Communication problems
Academic disputes
Health and safety issues
Departmental conflict
Misunderstandings
Threats or retaliation
Ethical behavior
How to frame and discuss issues
How to make or seek an apology
How to untangle a complicated situation
How to access other campus resources
Formal processes for resolving issues
What the Ombuds does not do
Make decisions for anyone
Serve as an official advocate
Offer legal advice
Keep official records
Participate in formal grievances (or other formal processes)
Offer psychological counseling
Address issues involving persons outside the institution
The Ombuds does not have the power to establish, change or set aside college rules, policies or management decisions. The Ombuds does not testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding, unless required by law after reasonable attempts at protecting confidentiality have been made.
