Mission Statement
The mission of the Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees is to provide an informal dispute resolution process in which the Ombudsperson advocates for fairness, justice, respect for differences, and reasonable solutions to student and postdoctoral issues and concerns. The Ombuds Office also serves as an alert mechanism for systemic change on campus.
What Is An Ombuds?
An Ombudsperson or Ombuds, from the term Ombudsman, is a confidential*, impartial, independent, and informal resource within organizations and corporations, designated to assist the community in managing and resolving conflicts and other types of organizational concerns. The first Ombudsman position was created and established in 1809 by the parliament of Sweden to hear and resolve citizen complaints against the government.
*Conversations are confidential unless there appears to be imminent risk of harm or danger.
Additional Services
- Advocate for fairness, equity, and a healthy campus environment
- Serve as a facilitator in group problem-solving
- Consult with university units and departments on options for conflict resolution
- Mediate between parties
- Suggest the redirection of matters to formal channels when appropriate
- Promote equality, inclusion, and access for all persons
- Identify and report about campus trends and problem areas
- Make recommendations regarding changes in policy and procedures
- Educate the university community about conflict resolution