Ombuds Services
ROLE OF THE OMBUDSPERSON:
The Ombudsperson is a confidential, independent resource authorized to informally address concerns from a neutral position, ultimately facilitating the process of conflict resolution.
The Ombudsperson provides confidential, impartial, independent and informal assistance in addressing both academic and non-academic concerns at the College-level that established processes and procedures have not resolved.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
All interactions with the Ombudsperson are strictly confidential except cases where there is consent by complainant; imminent harm to the complainant, others or College; or a legal concern.
IMPARTIALITY:
The Ombudsperson does not operate as an advocate for individuals or the College, but as an advocate for fairness of outcomes. This position considers all sides of a concern in an impartial and objective manner.
INDEPENDENCE:
The Ombudsperson is an independent entity.
INFORMALITY:
The Ombudsperson works informally to achieve fair and equitable solutions to concerns; we are not a licensed attorney.
FOSTER A CULTURE OF RESPECT:
By providing a neutral and accessible space for conflict resolution, ombuds contribute to a more respectful and inclusive campus environment.
The Ombuds can:
- Answer questions.
- Help analyze your situation.
- Help develop options for addressing your concerns.
- Identify and explain relevant College policies and procedures.
- Listen carefully to your concerns and complaints.
- Refer you to appropriate persons and arrange meetings.
- Recommend changes in procedures or policies to College officials.
- Assist with a range of issues, including bureaucratic problems, performance feedback, and disciplinary matters.
- Work to provide mediation between parties.
- Identify underlying systemic problems within the College that need to be addressed.
The Ombuds cannot:
- Direct any College office to change a decision.
- Make binding or administrative decisions.
- Make decisions for you.
- Make, change or set aside policy, procedures, rules or regulations.
- Provide legal advice or represent you in a legal manner.
- Replace or circumvent existing channels.
The College is committed to providing the best possible environment for all of its students, faculty and staff. We want to assure that all constituents of the College are served well in all situations.
***PLEASE note that because of the confidential and informal nature of the Ombuds Office, it is not considered an “office of notice” to the College (i.e., A person can meet with the ombudsperson to discuss a sexual harassment or racial discrimination issue confidentiality, but the ombudsperson is not a mandatory reporter and will not forward that information to the College). To give notice to the College, an individual must go to the appropriate office or personnel. ***