Green Ivy on the Frandsen Building

The Role of the University Ombudsman

The role of the University Ombudsman is to facilitate communication when conflict arises among faculty, staff, and offices of the University.  The University Ombudsman follows The Code of Ethics of The International Ombudsman Association as stated below:

INDEPENDENCE
The Ombudsman is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.  

NEUTRALITY AND IMPARTIALITY
The Ombudsman, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial.  The Ombudsman does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The Ombudsman holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so.  The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

INFORMALITY
The Ombudsman, as in informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.
The Office operations of the University Ombudsman are consistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association.