Guiding Principles

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students adheres to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set forth by the International Ombuds Association.

Confidentiality

The Ombuds Office shall keep confidential and protect the identity of individuals seeking assistance and any related information and/or documents. The Ombuds Office will not share information unless express permission is given by the visitor.

Any notes or other information with identifying information produced or gathered while providing assistance to visitors will be destroyed at regular intervals during each academic year. Data, trends, or information contained in reports will be presented in a manner that protects visitors’ identities.

The Ombuds Office may disclose confidential information if failure to do so may result in imminent risk of harm to the visitor or others, or as required by law or university policy. This includes reports of sexual misconduct and abuse or neglect of a minor.

Impartial

As the designated neutral for the university, the ombuds remains impartial and unaligned. The ombuds does not serve as an advocate or representative for any individual, school/college, department, or the university. The ombuds advocates for fair processes and fair treatment and considers the rights and interests of all parties in a situation.

Informal

The Ombuds Office is an off-the-record, confidential resource. The ombuds can assist in guiding parties towards a mutually agreeable resolution. The ombuds seeks to resolve issues using informal means, including but not limited to meetings, email and phone conversations, referrals to other offices, facilitated discussions, and mediation.

The ombuds does not participate in any administrative or legal processes (except as required by law). The ombuds does not conduct investigations, adjudicate, or serve as an arbiter in a conflict. The ombuds has no authority to overrule administrative decisions or make decisions on behalf of the university or any of its units.

Independent

The Ombuds Office reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for administrative and budgetary purposes. However, the ombuds acts independently in decision-making and in the execution of responsibilities. The Ombuds Office’s independence allows the office to confidentially receive issues and concerns and identify patterns and trends.

The Ombuds Office reports trends, patterns, and overall use of the office in general terms using aggregate data. These data may be reported to university officials for informational purposes or to respond to an emergent or prevalent concern.

Speaking to the Ombuds Office does not constitute a formal complaint or legal notice to the university. If a visitor references an issue (e.g., discrimination, retaliation, policy violation, criminal activity) that can be investigated through formal means, the Ombuds Office will inform the visitor of the process for instituting a formal complaint and refer the student to the appropriate office to further discuss their concerns.