The
Office of the University Ombudsperson
Characteristics
The following characteristics
which provide a safe environment where people
feel free to raise concerns are critical to the
success and effectiveness of the office:
*
CONFIDENTIALITY:
the Ombudsperson treats all matters and
inquiries in confidence and no action is taken
or names are used without the specific
permission of the grievant.
*
INDEPENDENCE:
the Ombudsperson functions outside the
management line with the prerogative of
recommending corrective action(s) at any
institutional level and/ or to the President.
* NEUTRALITY& IMPARTIALITY:
While assessing conflicts and collecting
information conducive to a prompt and
satisfactory resolution, the Ombudsperson
remains impartial, not advocating for either
party in a dispute.
*
INFORMALITY:
the Ombudsperson does not conduct formal
investigations nor participates in a formal
arena, whether for an individual or for the
institution. The International Ombudsman
Association, asserts that contacting the Ombuds
Office does not put the University or employer
on "notice."
* AVAILABILITY:
the Ombudsperson has an open-door policy and is
readily accessible at the person's convenience
when possible.
