Such assistance may include advising individuals on steps to take so that their claims may be heard or their questions answered, making referrals to other offices, investigating claims of unfair treatment or erroneous procedures, engaging in mediation to obtain a fair settlement, and assisting in accessing University grievance mechanisms when other methods are unsuccessful. In addition, the Ombudsman will intervene in the bureaucratic process on behalf of individuals when such process unnecessarily or unfairly impinges upon them. The Ombudsman Office also brings to the attention of those in authority any gaps and inadequacies in existing University policies, procedures, and practices which have generated justified claims of unfair treatment or which may cause such complaints in the future. The Ombudsman has the authority to access official files as required to fulfill the functions of the office. However, names of persons requesting help cannot be used in the investigation of a case without permission, and all Ombudsman records and communications are kept in confidence.
All communications are confidential.