Confidentiality is a key characteristic of the Ombuds Office. The office does not divulge a client's name or the nature of the issue being discussed without the client's consent. With the client's permission, individuals whose help is necessary to resolve a specific problem may be contacted. The office acts only with your permission except in the unusual situations of imminent risks of serious harm where it appears to be no responsible options except to act without permission.
The role of the Ombuds is to help staff, students and their families in identifying and evaluating their options for resolving and managing conflicts, provide mediation support, and make referrals to other appropriate departments, offices and/or community resources.
The Ombuds:
Career Management
Promotion, performance management, end of appointment, layoff, reorganization, hostile environment, overwork, compensation, benefits.
Work Relationships
Conflict with a colleague or supervisor, difficult staff, inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, abuse of power, bullying.
Policies and Requirements
Employment guidelines, disciplinary process and decisions, grievance and complaint procedures, academic policy or procedure concerns.
Illness and Disability
Disability services, accommodation requests, disability plans, leave options, internal and outside resources.
Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome and inappropriate behavior, inappropriate relationships.
Other Concerns
Safety, unethical behavior, compliance.
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