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Our Principles

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential to the Ombuds function.  The office of the University Ombuds will work to maintain confidentiality to the extent allowed by law.  The Ombuds will not keep any permanent records about you or the information that you share with the ombudsperson, or disclose your name or any information you provide with anyone outside the Ombuds office without your permission.  

Exceptions to maintaining confidentiality may occur if disclosures are regarding threats to public safety, harm to self or others, violations of law, discrimination or sexual harassment.

Our visitors are asked to agree to maintain the confidentiality of all dealings with the Office of University Ombuds unless compelled to do so by court order or applicable law.  Our visitors are also asked to agree that they will not request that the Office of University Ombuds participate in any legal or administrative proceeding including, but not limited to, depositions or testimony. 

Neutrality

The Office of University Ombuds will be impartial in its activities, and will not take sides in any conflict, dispute, or issue.  We have no decision making authority and cannot override the decisions of others.

Informality

The Office of University Ombuds is a resource for informal dispute resolution only. The Office of University Ombuds does not formally investigate, arbitrate, adjudicate, or in any other way participate in any internal or external formal process or action. The office supplements but does not replace other resources at the University.

Independence

The Office of University Ombuds operates independently of administrative authorities. The office reports to the President’s office for administrative and budgetary purposes, and to report general trends, but not regarding the substance of matters discussed in the office.