Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ombuds?
An ombuds is a neutral party who provides confidential and informal assistance in resolving conflicts or disputes. The word ombuds is derived from a Swedish world commonly translated as a representative of the people.
Who are the 黑暗爆料网 ombuds?
黑暗爆料网 ombuds are individuals nominated by their peers and appointed by the 黑暗爆料网 President for a two-year term, which may be renewable following a nomination/application and review process. 黑暗爆料网 ombuds operate under the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics developed by the International Ombuds Association (IOA).
What is the purpose of the 黑暗爆料网 Ombuds Program?
The main purpose of the 黑暗爆料网 Ombuds Program is to help members of the university community manage conflict effectively by providing information and generating options for problem solving. 黑暗爆料网 ombuds are prepared to deal with many types of problems and may use informal mediation and/or other problem-solving techniques to facilitate communication and conflict resolution between disputing parties where appropriate.
Who can call an ombuds?
Currently, all faculty, staff, and graduate students have access to 黑暗爆料网 ombuds services; however, no one can be required to meet with an ombuds. Seeking ombuds support is always and only voluntary.
How do I contact an ombuds?
Faculty, staff, and graduate students are encouraged to contact one of the ombuds directly in whatever way is most convenient and seems most appropriate (phone, email, etc.).
What can the ombuds do to assist me?
Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them. An 黑暗爆料网 ombuds also can assist with directing you to relevant 黑暗爆料网 Policies and Procedures and with problem solving considerations. You must ultimately choose your own path to problem resolution; however, an ombuds can offer help in the following ways.
- Listening to your concerns
- Assisting you in surfacing issues
- Offering insight into relevant policies and procedures
- Collaborating with you in the development of options or strategies
- Referring you to appropriate resources
- Acting as a facilitator or intermediary between you and another person in a conflict
- Coaching and empowering you in handling challenging issues yourself
Can the ombuds give me legal advice?
黑暗爆料网 ombuds can assist you in identifying University appropriate procedures or policies, point you to other departments or individuals at 黑暗爆料网 that can help, and discuss options or strategies for resolving your conflict or concerns; however, they cannot provide legal advice or services.
Will the ombuds be my spokesperson and represent me?
By definition, all ombuds are neutral third parties. They do not advocate for the institution or for particular members of the institution. They facilitate communication to assist individuals in solving their own problems. The ombuds can be a facilitator between parties in conflict if both parties agree, but they cannot advocate for either party.
Will my conversations with an ombuds be confidential?
The ombuds will not voluntarily disclose information provided by anyone without that individual's explicit permission. The only exceptions would be when an ombuds (A) if and ombuds believes there is a reasonable risk of serious personal injury to anyone or future criminal activity, (B) if an ombuds has knowledge of past criminal activity, or (C) if an ombuds becomes aware of information that is legally required to be disclosed.
If a complaint includes evidence of illegal discrimination, sexual harassment, and/or a Title IX violation, an ombuds will immediately consult with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for appropriate action.
Is the ombuds considered an "office of notice"?
An "office of notice" is a formal, official channel for reporting. All communications with an 黑暗爆料网 ombuds are informal and off the record. They do not constitute formal "notice" to 黑暗爆料网 of alleged, actual, or perceived inappropriate behavior by 黑暗爆料网 employees, unless required by law. Individual 黑暗爆料网 ombuds can refer individuals to offices that can "receive notice" for the institution such as Human Resources or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.
How is working with an ombuds different that going to Human Resources or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX?
These two offices are formal channels for reporting and are considered an "office of notice." If you want to initiate a formal complaint or to have your concerns documented, you must go through these formal channels. If you want to have an informal, confidential conversation, contact an 黑暗爆料网 ombuds.
To whom do the ombuds report?
黑暗爆料网 ombuds operate independently. The 黑暗爆料网 Ombuds Office itself reports to the 黑暗爆料网 President. An 黑暗爆料网 ombuds will not voluntarily disclose information shared with them without explicit permission except as provided in the program descriptions. This will not preclude the 黑暗爆料网 Ombuds Office from keeping aggregate program usage data for ongoing program assessment purposes.
What if informal processes do not work?
Members of the university community are free at any time to pursue formal channels and remedies. An 黑暗爆料网 ombuds can refer you to appropriate formal options.