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The Ombuds Office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which require the Ombuds Office to be independent, impartial, informal and confidential. 

Independence

The Ombuds Office is not aligned with any particular departmental unit. The Ombuds Office is not authorized to receive notice of claims against the university nor are ombuds mandatory reporters for purposes of Title IX.

Impartiality

The Ombuds Office is not an advocate for any party to a dispute. Ombuds are impartial third-party neutrals.

Ombuds consider the interests and concerns of all parties involved with the purpose of achieving a fair and equitable outcome.

Informality

Ombuds shall not participate in any formal investigations or other formal process of any kind.

The Ombuds Office is off-the-record. 

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of an Ombuds Office. Communications with the Ombuds Office are deemed confidential. By using our services, office visitors agree not to record conversations, call members of our office to testify or seek information from our office with respect to confidential communication in any litigation, investigation or internal or external proceedings. The ombuds may disclose confidential information if, in the sole discretion of the ombuds, there is an imminent risk of serious harm to the visitor or another person.