We want to give faculty and staff an outlet that helps them see all their options and helps them address their difficulties before they become much bigger problems than they need to be. The offices serve as a prompt, impartial and confidential means of facilitating discussion among any parties on campus, and as a way to resolve differences apart from formal grievance procedures. The system is independent of any existing administrative or academic structures. Faculty, staff and students will be able to voice their concerns, evaluate their experiences, organize their thoughts and decide which facts are important and relevant to their situation. Each person will be assisted in exploring options that fit his or her particular circumstance.
Options can range from talking about the problem to requesting a formal grievance proceeding.
Each person's privacy will be respected. Conversations are confidential except in unusual circumstances, such as information received that indicates a threat to safety. Within the next few weeks, each faculty and staff member will receive an Ombuds Office brochure and contact information. Dispute resolution services for students will appear in the Technique. The Dispute Management System includes both formal and informal complaint processes.