What We Do (and do not do)
What does an Ombuds do?
- Provide a safe place to share thoughts and discuss concerns
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Help identify and evaluate options
- Offer coaching (i.e. help a visitor prepare for a difficult conversation)
- Advocate for fair process
- Serve as a supplement (not replacement) for formal channels
- Collaborate with other campus offices on issues of general concern
- Gather information and provide referrals to other resources
- Discuss rights and responsibilities
- Provide University policy consultation
- Facilitate communication
- Identify trends and systemic issues to promote positive change
- Operate under the Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsman Association
What does an Ombuds NOT do?
- Advocate for specific individuals and outcomes
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make decisions on issues brought to the office
- Breach confidentiality
- Determine "guilt" or "innocence"
- Participate in the University's grievance process or any other formal process
- Make or change administrative decisions or University policy
- Give legal advice
- Make judgments about a person or a situation
- Provide psychological counseling
- Assign sanctions or discipline
- Accept or provide notice of an alleged violation on behalf of the University