What is an Ombudsman?
What is the Role?
What Services are Provided?
When Might I Want to Talk to the Ombudsman?
Standards of Practice
How Can I Contact the Ombudsman?

What is an Ombudsman?

An ombudsman is an independent, informal, neutral and confidential resource who provides assistance to members of the University community in exploring options to resolve problems, complaints and conflicts when normal processes and procedures have not worked satisfactorily. This assistance is an alternate to formal administrative channels, supplementing them but not replacing them. The Ombuds Office serves as a resource for those who seek guidance on policies, procedures and regulations affecting faculty, graduate students, post docs, undergraduate students and staff. Ombuds can refer individuals to persons able to resolve problems or handle issues at the lowest possible level. Where appropriate, Ombuds can also facilitate communication between parties who find themselves in a dispute.