The Ombudsperson can assist in opening up avenues of communication so that effective means of addressing and resolving issues can be found. Some people are interested only in specific information about a rule, law or policy. There are several resources on campus for help in resolving issues. You are correct, there are many resources to turn to for help. Caltech wants people to have several avenues in which to pursue problem resolution.
Some people choose to come to the Ombuds office as a first stop, some come as a last resort.
Q. I have seen the Ombudsperson in the Deans ' offices, Division Chairs' offices, Human Resources, etc. If the Ombudsperson is talking about an issue a visitor brought to her, it is with the visitor's written permission that she is taking a problem forward to another office for help in achieving a resolution. The Ombudsperson also sits on different committees on campus, but always as either a consultant or ex-officio member, so that she is not taking sides in the issue at hand. Yes, you can. A. Stop in to the Ombuds office in Room 6 in Dabney Hall and chat with Helen.