Acting impartially, the Ombudsperson may investigate unresolved grievances or facilitate the resolution of problems for which there are no established guidelines. The Ombudsperson can facilitate communication when conflict arises and provide the opportunity for informal and confidential dispute resolution. The Ombudsperson can also make recommendations for review or change when the policies or practices of the institution are responsible for the generation of conflicts or grievances. Individuals seeking informal or non-adversarial approaches to resolving conflicts are especially advised to contact the Ombuds Office.
All matters are confidential.
No action is taken without the permission of the individuals concerned. The office can provide information regarding the interpretation of university policies and regulations, and guidance to individuals who wish to pursue issues on their own. The Ombudsperson can be particularly helpful for those grievances regarding actions that, while they may not constitute a violation of policy, nonetheless are a cause of distress or difficulty for the parties involved. The office is also a designated Sexual Harassment Information Center for students, faculty and staff. The Ombuds Office staff is experienced in working with issues such as sexual harassment, insensitivity to matters of race, gender, or sexual orientation, abuse of power, and ethics.