To improve the quality of the university's working life as it is experienced by faculty, academic professionals, service professionals, classified and administrative staff, students, and members of the public by working in both a proactive and responsive manner to facilitate the resolution of problems Source University Ombudsperson Committee Policy Individual committee members, serving as ombudspersons , shall use skills to facilitate problem resolution between disputing parties as appropriate. Certain proposed personnel actions, such as proposed suspension without pay, demotions, or involuntary terminations, may be mediated prior to the required hearing that precedes the action. However, if a hearing before a university hearing officer has occurred and the proposed decision has been sustained, it is then a management prerogative to proceed with the employee action. Termination of a classified employee during the probationary period is not subject to mediation. Ombudspersons are not empowered to change a decision, but through their efforts to clarify matters information may emerge to assist in the resolution of the dispute.
All information given to an ombudsperson is confidential.
The University Ombudsperson Committee is composed of individuals representing the Academic, Administrative Services, and Student Affairs vice presidential areas, academic and service professionals, and classified and administrative employees. Except for ex officio members, members of the committee are nominated by the campus units represented and appointed by the president . The committee chair is appointed by the president. Services Provided by the Committee Committee members provide information and, if needed, an informal means of problem resolution to individual employees , students , and members of the public who have problems working with the university or who are involved in disputes. Ombudspersons may use mediation or other problem-solving techniques to facilitate communication or problem resolution between disputing parties.