Office of the Ombuds

What is the Office of the Ombuds?

Throughout the day, in various situations, disagreements, miscues, and conflicts naturally occur at any place where people learn and work - such as Ģ��Ƶ. When you find yourself seeking informal guidance, assistance with navigating Ģ��Ƶ procedures, or further information on formal reporting processes and external resources that can help you make an informed decision, the Office of the Ombuds is here for you. Watch the video below for an in-depth overview.

Confidentiality · Informality · Impartiality · Independence

Learn More About Ombuds

Review the Office of the Ombuds Charter, explore our guiding principles, and discover the values that guide our work. Plus, sign up for our email updates and receive helpful information from our team straight to your inbox.

Learn About Our Services

Two women sitting at a desk in an office setting. One is explaining a document while the other listens attentively.

Conflict Coaching

Ombuds conflict coaching services provides a confidential, one-on-one relationship with the visitor to develop the visitor's conflict-related understanding, navigation of Ģ��Ƶ processes, strategies, and skills.

Group of three women and one man collaborating at a table with laptops, notebooks, and water bottles in a meeting room.

Mediation

The Ombuds provides informal, voluntary, and confidential mediation to help resolve workplace and academic conflicts. These services support skill-building, strengthen teamwork, and promote forward-focused problem-solving—without affecting grievance rights or access to DHRM mediation.

Common concerns include:

Communication barriers
Trust and respect issues
Relationship strain
Misaligned expectations
Leadership or workstyle differences
Policy misunderstandings

This proactive service helps students and employees navigate challenges while strengthening their connection to the Ģ��Ƶ community.

Man in a white shirt presenting in a conference room, holding papers. Two colleagues sit and listen in the background.

Training and Workshops

The Office of the Ombuds program offers tailored conflict prevention and management training or workshops for the Ģ��Ƶ community, equipping participants with skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and manage conflict.

Concerns?

Help us ensure Ģ��Ƶ remains a fair and welcoming place for everyone by reporting any issues confidentially through the links below.

We encourage you to explore the services offered by the Office of the Ombuds. Our goal is to provide a safe space where you can address concerns and work towards constructive solutions.

Dr. Anne M. Kress Ģ��Ƶ President

Testimonials

"The initial conversation was nothing short of eye-opening and supportive. I felt comfortable discussing the challenges I was experiencing and was led through the process with the utmost compassion and confidentiality. The Ombuds was an integral part of my success with Ģ��Ƶ, and I would recommend anyone to go in with full trust and confidence. Dr. Kamara is a gem and one of the reasons I was able to be successful and confident in navigating my college experience."

—Ģ��Ƶ Student

"After meeting with the Ombuds I truly felt lighter and energized for the rest of the day. It really helped to get things off my chest and to feel heard."

—Ģ��Ƶ Employee

"I didn’t know where to start with my concern. Having this service meant a lot to me as I was able to share my dilemma privately. The Ombud provided me with the information I needed promptly and was very courteous."

—Ģ��Ƶ Student & Employee