About the office

Though the ombuds report annually to the Faculty Council and Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Ombuds Services functions independently of all university offices, and neither the faculty ombud nor the graduate and professional student ombud represents the university administration nor any individual or group.

Members of the Office of Ombuds Services do not take sides and remain impartial. They are not advocates for faculty or students or for the university. Rather, they act as a facilitator and are even-handed. The ombuds do not have the power to change decisions but can advise, refer, review and/or persuade as neutral and impartial agents. They promote fair practices and foster integrity and timeliness in the administration of university policies and practices that affect faculty, graduate and professional students, and postdoctoral scholars.

To the extent permitted by law and policy, conversations with the ombuds are confidential except where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm, where harassment or other illegal activity may be involved and where there is no other reasonable option.

Meeting with an ombud is an informal and off-the-record process, which includes such means as listening, providing and receiving information, identifying and reframing issues and developing a range of responsible options. Ombuds pursue resolution of concerns and look into procedural irregularities and/or broader systemic problems. They do not make binding decisions or participate in any university adjudicative or administrative hearing, process or procedure related to concerns brought to their attention.