Communications with the Ombuds

Communications with the ombuds are confidential to the extent permissible by law and considered off-the-record. The ombuds is not authorized to accept notice of claims against the University; anyone wishing to give the University notice of claims against it must contact one of the University's formal channels such as a person in authority. The ombuds can discuss how you may access one of these formal channels as may be appropriate in various circumstances but does not participate in any formal proceeding, including serving as a witness with respect to confidential communications.

The Ombuds Office asserts a privilege with respect to confidential communications, and this privilege is held by the Ombuds Office and cannot be waived by others. The Ombuds Office is not authorized to and does not accept legal notice of claims against Clemson University. If you wish to go on record about a problem or put the University on notice of a claim, the Ombuds Office can provide information on how you may do so. The ombuds does not participate in any formal grievance process. The Clemson University Ombuds Office has no decision-making authority and maintains no official records or permanent records of confidential communications. Use of the Ombuds Office constitutes an agreement not to seek to compel an ombuds to reveal confidential communications in formal or legal proceedings. This agreement fosters confidentiality to the extent permissible by law and helps provide a safe and neutral place for discussing any concern.