Unlike deans, counselors, head residents, chaplains, and other Mount Holyoke College employees in advisory positions, the Ombudsperson works independently of all College academic and administrative offices. This separateness ensures objectivity and impartiality. The Ombudsperson is not an advocate, but seeks, rather to resolve problems objectively and without favoritism toward any group or individual. The Ombudsperson also acts as a centralized information resource of college procedures, policies, and practices and hence is in an excellent position to help students, faculty, and staff seek out proper channels for resolving a problem. The Office of the Ombudsperson at Mount Holyoke adheres to the ethical principles established by the University and College Ombuds Association.
Justice is preeminent.
An Ombudsperson hears and investigates complaints objectively. Objectivity includes impartial attention to all available perspectives on an issue and may or may not entail support of any particular perspective. An Ombudsperson acts as independently as possible of all other offices and avoids conflict of interest, external control and either the reality or appearance of being compromised. An Ombudsperson is readily accessible to all members of the constituent community, promotes timely solutions to problems and avoids either the reality or appearance of bias toward any individual or group. An Ombudsperson treats with confidentiality all matter brought to him or her.