WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

Yes. At the ombudsperson's discretion, if she believes that an imminent threat of serious harm exists she may have to disclose information..

All conversations with the ombudsperson are confidential. The ombudsperson will not disclose any part of your conversation without your prior permission, nor will she communicate to others that you came to the ombuds office.

Without breaking confidentiality, the ombudsperson reports general trends and suggestions for improvements to the campus community.

No. Because of the unique, informal, problem-solving role of the ombuds office, speaking to the ombudsperson about a concern does not constitute “notice” to the university that the problem exists, nor is speaking to the ombuds office a step in any applicable grievance process. Anyone wishing to “put the university on notice” may contact an administrator or invoke a formal grievance process. The ombuds office can provide referral information about who to contact for anyone seeking to use administrative or formal grievance processes.

No. Once a matter is in a formal process, including legal action, the ombuds office does not have any further involvement in the situation. Because confidentiality is so important to the ombuds office, all communications with the office are made with the understanding that they are confidential, off-the-record, and that no one from the office will be called to testify as a witness in any formal or legal proceeding to reveal confidential communications. Absent a court order, the ombuds office will maintain the confidentiality of all dealings and communications with the office and will assert any and all legal protections to maintain that confidentiality.

Our visitors are asked to agree that in the event of any legal, administrative or other formal proceeding involving or arising out of a situation about which they have consulted the ombuds office, they will maintain the confidentiality of all dealings and communications with the ombuds office and will not disclose them unless compelled to do so by a court order. Absent a court order, the ombuds office will maintain the confidentiality of all dealings and communications with the office and will assert any and all legal protections to maintain that confidentiality.

Yes, if that is your desire. You can do this in a number of ways. You can call the ombudsperson to discuss an issue without giving your name or you can even meet with the ombudsperson without giving your name. If you would like to remain anonymous, the ombudsperson will work with you to find a way to address your concern in a way that does not compromise your identity. However, if you remain anonymous, this may limit the options available to you for resolution of your concern.

The office keeps no permanent records other than aggregate statistical summaries since the ombuds office is not a place of notice or "record keeper" for the university.