- Please note that to assure the confidential nature of this Office, we ask that all parties involved agree not to record our conversation regardless of whether a meeting takes place in-person or virtually.
- Visits are scheduled for one hour.
- I’ll start by going over the four main principles of the office: confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and informality.
- Our conversations are confidential. Your name or identifying characteristics will not be revealed to anyone. Confidentiality cannot be promised in matters relating to threats to public safety or when there is imminent risk of serious harm to self or others (COVID-19 is a public health and safety matter).
- My role is to be neutral. I advocate for productive communication and fair processes.
- The Ombuds Office is independent—separate from and not dependent on any other college office.
- Our conversation is informal. I can direct you to resources if you want to make a formal complaint of any kind. I’m not a mandatory reporter.
- More detailed information about these principles can be found in the Ombuds Office Charter.
- A note regarding virtual visits: by using Ombuds Office services you agree not to record the conversation. I’m not taping any meeting with this office and ask you to respect confidentiality and not tape this conversation as well.
- After this introduction, we’ll talk about what brought you to the office, and discuss your options.
- It’s important for me to hear the whole story, everything you have to say. I’ll check in with you as we talk to make sure I’m understanding things accurately.
- Then we’ll discuss your options. We’ll explore a range of choices for what you want to do next.
- Then we’ll discuss options. We’ll explore a range of choices for what to do next.
- If appropriate, I can suggest resources that might be helpful, like taking a quiz on conflict styles, or contacting a campus office.
- At the end of our conversation, we’ll figure out whether we should schedule another visit.
- Some issues take more than one visit. I meet with some visitors multiple times.
- Whatever we decide, I’ll ask you to get back in touch anytime you’d like to meet again.