FACULTY OMBUDS SERVICE

If you want to talk, we’re here to listen . . .

WHY:

* The Faculty Ombuds Service was established in AY 2001-2002. The two faculty ombuds serve as neutral listeners, information resources, and intermediaries, and provide full and part-time faculty and administrators on the SIUE campuses with an option other than formal grievance procedures for resolving conflicts.

* The assumptions for the Faculty Ombuds Service are as follows:

1. To recognize that conflict is an inevitable part of organizational life.
2. To recognize that conflict can harm organizational unity when it is silenced, ignored or denied.
3. To ensure, through the services of trained Ombuds faculty, that when conflict arises, all parties, regardless of position, have an avenue for dealing with conflict.
   

WHAT THE FACULTY OMBUDS SERVICE DOES:

• Seeks to provide a confidential, impartial, and informal dispute resolution process which recognizes the rights and interests of all parties
• Assists faculty with interpersonal or academic issues and operates independently of any administrative unit as an alternative or supplement to formal grievance procedures
• Listens and discusses questions, concerns, and complaints
• Helps identify and evaluate various options to address concerns
• Provides assistance in obtaining answers to questions as well as information about University policies and procedures
• Opens channels of communication
• Serves as a neutral third-party in conflict resolution
• Attempts to resolve problems informally by mediating disputes to seek a solution which is equitable to both parties and which adheres to University policies and procedures
  

WHAT THE FACULTY OMBUDS SERVICE DOES NOT DO:

• Does not keep records
• Does not participate in formal grievance procedures
• Does not render judgment or make decisions on issues
• Does not receive official "notice" for the University about grievances, complaints, or concerns

HOW MIGHT THE FACULTY OMBUDS HELP:

• By carefully listening and facilitating analysis of a complicated situation
• By working with faculty to identify and clarify options
• By seeking information in response to questions regarding University policies and procedures
• By mediating disputes
• By referring faculty to relevant university resources and problem-solving channels

CODE OF ETHICS of The Ombudsman Association

The ombudsman, as a designated neutral, has the responsibility to maintain strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to his/her attention unless given permission to do otherwise. The only exceptions, at the sole discretion of the ombudsman, are where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

The ombudsman must take all reasonable steps to protect any records and files pertaining to confidential discussions from inspection by all other persons, including management.

The ombudsman should not testify in any formal judicial or administrative hearing about concerns brought to his/her attention.

When making recommendations, the ombudsman has the responsibility to suggest actions or policies that will be equitable to all parties.

WHERE TO CONTACT US:

• The Faculty Ombuds Service is located in 2225 Rendleman Hall.
• If possible, please call 650-3238 to make an advance appointment.
• Office hours for the current semester are posted on this website and on our door.
  

We would also be glad to set up an appointment at any other mutually convenient time.

• Please feel free also to contact us at the following locations:

We strive to provide a comfortable, confidential, and impartial environment in which to discuss your problems and concerns. If you want to talk, we're here to listen…………