Principles of Practice

• The Office of the Ombudsman is an informal, impartial and confidential resource for resolving complaints, problems, or conflicts. The office is independent and unaffiliated with any other campus office.
• In the course of addressing concerns, the Ombudsman will not disclose any part of his/her conversation with a user without prior permission from the user; however, the Ombudsman cannot guarantee confidentiality regarding any disclosures of child or elder abuse, and/or imminent danger to self or the public.
• If a user chooses to seek a formal or legal remedy, the user is expected to disclose his/her intentions to the Ombudsman. The role of the Ombudsman does not include communications with attorneys, or involvement in formal procedures (including grievances filed with any office which accepts formal complaints) or lawsuits filed against the University. Nor does the Ombudsman offer legal advice or interpretation of legal documents. Also, the user is expected not to request that the Ombudsman or staff members be deposed.
• The Office of the Ombudsman does not maintain any records, notes, or documents which would identify users of the office. All information pertaining to a case is destroyed upon closure.
• The Office of the Ombudsman has the right to discontinue providing service if there does not appear to be an informal resolution to the concern.
• The user understands that any communications, verbal or written, to an Ombudsman do not serve as notice to the university. Therefore, it is the user’s duty to share any information which s/he wishes to have known to any other campus office. It is also the user’s responsibility to adhere to any existing timelines or deadlines in appealing decisions or filing formal grievances.
• Users of the office and the Ombudsman are jointly responsible for preserving the confidentiality of all disclosures and discussions from all parties outside the relationship. The user understands that the Office of the Ombudsman can not be required to disclose confidential communications.