Confidentiality
The Ombudsperson holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so except in the following three circumstances: 1) the Faculty Ombudsperson is a witness to a crime; 2) there appears to be imminent threat of serious harm; or 3) the Ombudsperson is required to release information by legal subpoena (valid court order) and attempts to protect the Ombudsperson from disclosure fail.
The Ombudsperson maintains no formal case files, and takes all reasonable steps to protect records from inspection by all other persons.Ìý Informal notes taken in the course of consideration of a matter are destroyed at its conclusion.Ìý In addition, the Ombudsperson will not disclose whether or not you contacted the Ombudsperson without your permission to do so.Ìý This promise of confidentiality ensures that you are safe in contacting the Ombudsperson.
If a problem is eventually taken to a formal grievance process, the Ombudsperson will not testify for or against anyone in that process.
Neutrality
The Faculty Ombudsperson is a designated neutral party and approaches each case impartially and without prejudice.Ìý The Ombudsperson is committed to fairness, equity, and the humane treatment of all parties.
Independence
The Faculty Ombudsperson is appointed by the Faculty Senate but is independent of that office. ÌýThe Ombudsperson reports summary information about Ombuds activities that is not individually identifiable to the Faculty Senate, for example numbers of contacts and types of situations considered, and may bring general suggestions regarding changes in policies and procedures. ÌýThe Faculty Ombudsperson does not act as an agent of notice for ¶¶Òõ̽̽, and does not accept formal complaints or notice for ¶¶Òõ̽̽.Ìý ¶¶Òõ̽̽ resources for reporting crime on campus and instances of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct involving a member of the campus community, are detailed in both the and the