The Ombuds Office
The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, confidential, informal, neutral and safe place to voice concerns without fear of retribution.
About Us
The Ombuds Office at the University of Louisville provides informal, impartial, and confidential dispute resolution services for staff, faculty, administrators and postdocs. (Students should consult the Office of the Student Advocate) We assist people with interpersonal misunderstandings or disputes as well as those with concerns about academic or administrative issues. We attempt to help individuals resolve their concerns fairly and, if possible, informally. The Ombuds Office operates independently as a supplement to existing administrative or formal grievance procedures and has no formal decision-making authority. We do not act as advocates for either side in a dispute. Perhaps most importantly, we operate confidentially, which means we do not acknowledge who has – or has not – used the Ombuds Office without the permission of the individual. We report administratively to the Provost. We believe it is best to contact the Ombuds Office in the beginning of a dispute or concern, so issues do not escalate. The dispute resolution services are positive processes and should never be considered a punishment or a negative action; it exists to help resolve conflicts and create positive work environments.
The Ombuds Office deals with a wide range of conflicts and disputes every year.
Policies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Listen and discuss questions, issues, and concerns
- Help evaluate various options to address concerns
- Answer questions or help find others who can
- Facilitate communication between people
- Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
- Advise individuals about formal and administrative options
- Facilitate discussions to seek "win-win" resolution
- Make appropriate referrals when informal options don't work
- Point out patterns of problems/complaints to administrators
- Participate in formal grievance processes
- Make administrative decisions for UofL administrators
- Determine "guilt" or "innocence" of those accused of wrong-doing
- Assign sanctions to individuals
- Receive official "notice" for the university about issues
- Give legal advice
- When you feel you have been treated unfairly
- When you have a situation requiring negotiation or help in facilitating communication
- When you are unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply in your situation
- When you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously
- When you have a concern about an office, a service, or a decision at the University of Louisville
- When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue
- When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a problem
- By carefully listening and helping to analyze the situation
- By researching and explaining relevant university policies, procedures, and problem-solving channels
- By helping you to identify and evaluate options
- By assisting in the informal resolution of disputes (only with your permission)
- By initiating non-adversarial, problem-solving discussions with other involved parties (only with your permission)
- By making referrals to other campus and community resources
- By striving to help faculty and staff receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system
No. The Ombuds Office will advise you of your rights within the university but does not provide legal advice.
The Ombuds Office does not address disputes between members of the campus community and private individuals, companies or organizations not affiliated with the University of Louisville. Additionally, the Ombuds Office does not handle formal grievances, or legal issues of any kind. (You may use the Ombuds Office either before or after using a formal grievance procedure.)
- Insight into a complicated situation
- A clearer perspective on your issue or concern
- Enhanced ability to deal effectively with a problem
- Identification and clarification of options
- Effective communication skills to resolve interpersonal issues
- Suggests changes in university policies and procedures
- Conducts Conflict-related workshops
- Conflict-related consultation with supervisors, faculty, departments, etc.