Student Ombuds DOES:

• Listen impartially and provide unbiased feedback
• Provide a private place to discuss complaints/consider options
• Refer students to appropriate campus services and resources
• Assist with problem-solving to minimize the escalation of conflict
• Assist students in conflict to develop mutually acceptable outcomes
• Encourage and empower students and to find their own solutions to problems and concerns
• Coach students on how to have difficult conversations (non-defensive conversations)
• Explain university policies/procedures
• Observe any trends and share them with university administration
• Recommend changes to policies and procedures based on trends

 

Student Ombuds DOES NOT:

• Advocate for individuals/take sides
• Offer psychological counseling
• Keep records identifying individuals who meet with the Student Ombuds
• Serve as an office of notice for filing a Title IX Complaint
• Provide legal advice
• Share personally identifiable information without permission
• Make decisions (or change any decisions made by others)
• Keep confidential any imminent risk of serious harm or danger as required by law
• Conduct formal investigations or write formal investigative reports
• Change policies or academic and administrative decisions