Ombuds Services
Ombuds services – what the Ombuds does:
| Listen | Sometimes people just need an ear to bend. |
| Assistance | Develop options for action and choosing among them |
| Coaching | Help in preparing for challenging interactions or conversations. |
| Conflict Guidance | Help in developing and implementing strategies in conflicts. |
| Referrals | Getting direction on where to go for specific aid or information. |
| Sorting out the pieces | Help determine what issues are important and why. |
| Reframing | Look at options in alternative ways or through the eyes of others. |
| Mediate/Facilitate | Actively working with multiple people to develop solutions. |
| Identify and track | Recurring patterns and issues of concern about university rules and (without breaching confidentiality) generate recommendations for addressing them. |
Non-Ombuds services – what the Ombuds does not do:
| Does not offer legal counsel - or serve as a legal advocate or representative. |
| Does not offer psychological counseling or therapy. |
| Does not advocate for individuals or causes. |
| Does not create binding or legal contracts among people. |
| Does not serve as a location to file an official complaint or to give notice. |
| Does not administer, create, implement, or enforce policy. |