Department Ombuds

Ombuds are members of the department who offer informal and confidential help for all employees and students who have an issue for which they need advice about appropriate channels for resolution. The goal of the Ombuds is to make appropriate recommendations and suggest resources on how to resolve the concern. Recommendations from the Ombuds are non-binding. When visiting with an Ombuds, you can expect complete confidentiality to discuss any matters of concern (not only academic) to the degree allowed by law and University policy. However, an ombudsperson is required to follow the mandatory university reporting protocol.

Specifically, the Ombuds:

• Listens to concerns.
• Analyzes these concerns and explores options for resolving the concerns.
• Provides information about policies and services, with which they are familiar.
• Refers the concern to appropriate University offices and administrators.
• Depending on the situation, could apply common sense guidance for conflict resolution and conciliation methods to assist with informal resolution prior to filing a grievance.
• Recommends changes in policy and/or work procedures in HLA.

The Ombuds report only summary information to the Department Head (e.g., number of meetings). The Department Head will select Ombuds each year.