Act as an advocate for you in a dispute. The Ombuds is neutral and impartial.
Represent individuals in appeals or formal grievance procedures either on campus or-off.
Provide legal representation or give legal advice.
Get involved if you have a non-university related problem or complaint.
Overturn binding decisions, but can investigate procedural fairness.
Serve as an office of record. Speaking with the Ombuds is not "notice to the university" of problems or policy violations, except where the Ombuds is required by law or university policy to forward that notice. In cases where information reported to the Ombuds indicates that there may be a violation of the university’s Title IX Policy, the Ombuds will be obligated to report that information to the Title IX coordinator, in keeping with that policy. However, unless the factual circumstances indicate a threat to the safety of an individual or the university community, the Ombuds is not required to report the name of, or otherwise identify sexual assault victims/survivors where confidentiality is requested. Often persons will seek advice from the Ombuds privately, before deciding what actions to take in response to a problem. If you want the university to "be on notice," that is, formally to know about a particular problem and formally respond, the Ombuds can help you identify what office you would need to contact.
Keep formal written records. The Ombuds can help you determine how to keep your own records, if you need to do that.
See the Ombuds if ...
You have a problem, concern or issue at work.
You don’t know where to go for help.
You are reluctant to go through formal channels for assistance.
You need a safe place to explore your options without retribution.