Terms of Reference
Serving as an independent structure, the Office of the University Ombudsman is a neutral, confidential, and informal resource that provides assistance to the University of Nevada, Reno faculty and staff. The Office assists faculty and staff in handling institutional and individual complaints and resolving conflicts. The office does not handle legal complaints.
The University Ombudsman listens to and discusses problems/concerns with faculty and staff. The Office offers information about University policies and procedures and makes referrals to other services and resources as appropriate. The University Ombudsman provides faculty and staff with an informal and confidential means for communicating issues of concern without fear of reprisal. The Office practices of the University Ombudsman are guided by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association.
The Ombudsman maintains the confidentiality of faculty and staff and does not disclose information without permission. The Ombudsman may, at the request of the faculty or staff member, contact the other party to seek clarification in attempting to resolve a dispute/issue. The Ombudsman will not disclose the faculty or staff member’s name or details of an issue, when speaking to the other party, unless given permission by the visitor. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm. The Office of the University Ombudsman does not keep records identifying faculty or staff. Permanent records kept by the Office include only statistical data for annual reports and making recommendations to the University.
The Office of the University Ombudsman does not take the place of other university grievances, appeal, complaint, or disciplinary procedures. The University Ombudsman does not testify in any court or judicial or formal hearings regarding matters discussed in confidence with the Office. The Office is not an office of notice to the University of Nevada, Reno and the institution does not request the disclosure of confidential communications. The University Ombudsperson may decline to meet with a faculty or staff member if it is determined that involvement is inappropriate. The Office is strictly voluntary and serves as an alternate means for conflict resolution.
The University Ombudsman reports directly to the President. The University Ombudsman is independent of any University administrative structure. The University Ombudsman does not advocate for either party in a disagreement, but promotes a fair and respectful workplace for all parties. The University Ombudsman works autonomously, impartially, and informally to seek resolution of problems in accordance with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) codes and policies. The University Ombudsman has no power to make or change University polices or institutional decisions. The University Ombudsman can make recommendations regarding University policies, practices, and procedures in promoting employee satisfaction.
No retaliation is to be taken against a faculty or staff member for participating in discussions with the Office of the University Ombudsman. Visiting the Office of the University Ombudsman shall not threaten an employee's job security, work assignment, pay, promotion, tenure, scholarly opportunities, or work performance evaluations.
Faculty: An employee is eligible to meet with the University Ombudsman for 1.5 hours for an initial visit to address an issue. This must be scheduled at a mutually convenient time between the employee and supervisor within one week of the initial request to the supervisor. Additional appointments must be scheduled and mutually agreed upon by the supervisor. Employees who prefer not to inform their supervisors that they are visiting the Office of the University Ombudsman must make arrangements on their personal time.
Classified Staff: If an employee is requesting an initial visit to the Office of the University Ombudsman they are required to fill out a leave slip indicating Administrative Leave with a statement noting visit with the University Ombudsman. For employees who prefer not to inform their supervisors that they are visiting the Office of the University Ombudsman, annual leave must be requested or they must use personal time outside of their work schedule.
The University Ombudsman is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and complies with its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which are available on the Office of the University Ombudsman website at http://www.unr.edu/ombudsman/ and at http://www.ombudsassociation.org/.
University of Nevada, Reno Ombudsman: Pamela J. Haney, Ph.D.
- UNR Office of the University Ombudsman, Reynolds School of Journalism
- University of Nevada, Reno/0310
- Reno, Nevada 89557-0310
- Phone: 775.784.1171, Fax 775.682.9500, Web: http://www.unr.edu/ombudsman/