What are the unique features of the Ombuds Office?
Confidentiality, informality, neutrality, and impartiality. Confidentiality means that the ombuds will not reveal the identity of anyone contacting the office, except where required by law or where consent is given. Informality means that the Ombuds Office operates outside the formal appeal or grievance process. The Ombuds Office does not maintain records for the university. Neutrality means that the ombuds is impartial and does not take sides when hearing a problem or concern. The ombuds is not a decision-maker and will not adjudicate, testify, or participate in any formal process. Independence means that the Ombuds Office is a separate and distinct department. Although the ombuds does report to the president, such reports are solely statistical in nature.
