What the Ombuds Does

• Listens and discusses questions, issues and concerns
• Helps identify a range of options to address concerns
• Answers questions or helps find others who can
• Explains CSU policies and procedures
• Facilitates communication between people
• Mediates disputes to seek mutually satisfactory resolution of problems
• Identifies trends or systemic problems to administrators with recommendations for institutional improvements

What the Ombuds Does Not Do

• Participate in formal grievance processes
• Make administrative decisions
• Determine “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrong-doing
• Assign sanctions to individuals or participate in disciplinary process
• Receive official “notice” for the university
• Give legal advice
• Offer psychological advice
• Keep records on behalf of the institution
• Advocate for any individual or entity however will advocate for fair processes

The Ombuds is committed to these four principles

• Confidentiality – The Ombuds holds information in confidence and does not disclose communication unless given permission by the employee, in the event of risk or harm, or as required by law.
• Neutrality – The Ombuds remains unaligned and impartial and does not advocate for any individual or entity.
• Informality – As an informal resource, the Ombuds does not participate in any formal process related to concerns brought to the office’s attention.
• Independence – The Ombuds is independent in structure, function and appearance and does not report on cases to any administrator of the University except as aggregate data that protects the visitor.

To learn more, visit our professional association at ombudsassociation.org.

The Ombuds office does not replace or supersede university grievances, complaint or appeal procedures. Further, as a confidential campus resource, the Ombuds Office is neither a “responsible employee” in relation to sexual harassment/misconduct nor authorized to serve as a “campus security authority” for purposes of reporting crimes on campus.