Role of the Ombudsperson at CCSU

Roles of the Ombudsperson

  • Listen to concerns
  • Provide a confidential place to talk
  • Informally investigate student/faculty/employees complaints
  • Gather information
  • Explain campus policies and procedures, rules and processes
  • Reframe issues
  • Analyze, identify and evaluate options
  • Make referrals
  • Act as an impartial resource using informal mediation and/or other problem solving techniques
  • Facilitate communication between and among individuals
  • Suggest ways to effectively deal with a problem
  • Explain the informal resolution process
  • Present options to the Administration to alleviate chronic problem areas in the university

The Ombuds Office Does Not:

  • Advocate for any party to the dispute
  • Change grades or other university policies
  • Give legal advice
  • Be a part of any formal processes such as litigation, disciplinary actions, grievance hearings, or arbitration hearings
  • Replace or circumvent existing formal channels
  • Assign sanctions to individuals
  • Receive official "notice" for the university about any issues
  • Address disputes between members of the campus community and private individuals, companies, or organizations not affiliated with CCSU
  • Handle formal grievances, whistleblower, discrimination, or sexual harassment complaints.
  • Offer psychological counseling