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When should I contact the University Ombudman? What can the University Ombudsman do to help? What can't the University Ombudsman do? What are the Standards of Practice?
The practice of ombudsing started with 19th century Scandinavian public officials who were appointed to investigate citizen complaints against governmental agencies. Today, organizational ombudsmen are often referred to as "designated neutrals." As such, they do not advocate for any individual or cause, but for fairness and equity. Ombudsmen provide confidential, informal assistance to individuals and groups, and help identify problems and facilitate the fair resolution of problems that arise in their organizations. They serve as an information and communication resource, upward feedback channel, dispute resolution practitioner, and change agent. Ombudsmen encourage the airing and resolution of both individual and systematic problems. They help ensure fairness in process so that any kind of problem can receive a fair and impartial review. In many cases, problems are best handled when they're identified early. Because of the confidentiality priviledge, it's never too soon to call the University Ombudsman to discuss a problem. The office responds to a variety of concerns. You might want to contact the University Ombudsman if:
The University Ombudsman Office provides confidential, informal assistance to the campus community on a range of problems. For example, the University Ombudsman will:
The Ombudsman Office supplements existing resources at the University, it does not duplicate them. If procedures exist, such as those addressing grade grievances or parking violations, the University Ombudsman will not replicate them. The University Ombudsman offers informal assistance only, and does not get involved with union grievances or any other kind of formal grievances. Additionally, the University Ombudsman cannot unilaterally change rules or policies, overrule a decision made by another University official or conduct formal investigations. Finally, as an independent, neutral, confidential and informal resource, the Ombudsman Office does not accept legal notice for Binghamton University. If you wish to "go on record" about a problem or put the University "on notice," the University Ombudsman can offer information on how to do so. The University Ombudsman holds voting membership in the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) and adheres to IOA Standards of Practice. Confidentiality, neutrality and independene are hallmarks of ombudsman practice. Confidentiality: The University Ombudsman holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this priviledge of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm. Whether this risk exists is a determination to be made by the Ombudsman. The office maintains no formal case files, and all reasonable steps are taken to protect records from inspection by all other persons, including University management. The priviledge of confidentiality means that, if asked, the University Ombusman will not disclose whether you did or did not contact the office unless you give express permission to do so. This promise of confidentiality is intended to help you feel safe contacting the office. Unlike some other confidential priviledges, the ombudsman priviledge belongs to the office and cannot be waived by anyone. Therefore, if a problem is eventually taken to a formal grievance process, the University Ombudsman will not testify for or against anyone. Because of the unique role and priviledge of confidentiality, communicating information to the University Ombudsman does not constitute providing legal "notice' to Binghamton University. If you wish to put the institution "on notice" or to go "on record" with a problem, you must contact an appropriate officer of the University or invoke formal grievance procedures. The University Ombudsman can provide information on how and where to do that. Limits of Confidentiality The University Ombudsman cannot guarantee confidentiality when:
Neutrality: The University Ombudsman is the Binghamton University's "designated neutral." This means the University Ombudsman approaches each case impartially and without prejudice. The Ombudsman Office is committed to fairness, equity and the humane treatment fo all parties. Independence: The University Ombudsman reports directly to the president of Binghamton University |