Visitors schedule one or more meetings with an Ombuds for many reasons which include:
- talking through a problem, issue, concern, or conflict
- don’t know where to go or what to do
- to prepare for a difficult conversation
- difficult interpersonal relationship
- believe a procedure or policy is unfair or being applied unfairly
- issues of bias or inequity
- career progression & transition
- difficulty managing an interpersonal relationship
- need help prioritizing options
- not feeling seen or heard
- an ethical dilemma
- want to understand what happens in a formal process or how to file a complaint
- are struggling to see a situation clearly
The Ombuds can help by:
- Listening
- Clarifying policies & procedures
- Exploring & testing options
- Providing communication coaching
- Acting as a neutral sounding-board
- Gathering information
- Advocating for fair processes
- Facilitating conversations between parties
- Providing a safe & non-judgmental space
- Making referrals to helpful resources
- Facilitating educational programming