Do's and Don'ts

The University Ombuds carries out duties in a neutral and informal manner. The office supplements, but does not replace any existing resource for conflict resolution available to the University community.

What the Ombuds can do:

• Listen: The Ombuds listens to your questions, concerns and/or complaints, and discusses steps to resolve the problem informally.
• Develop Options: As a neutral party, the Ombuds can help you identify and evaluate options.
• Communication: 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 or facilitation of difficult conversations.
• Resources & Referrals: The Ombuds will help you find assistance with the appropriate office.

What the Ombuds does not do:

• Does Not Participate in Formal Processes: The Ombuds Office is an informal dispute resolution resource. The Ombuds does not make decisions.
• 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.