Informal

The Ombuds Office provides an alternate channel to assist individuals in understanding and evaluating options for managing or resolving interpersonal conflicts and administrative or academic disputes. It does not keep formal written records or participate in formal dispute resolution processes such as grievances or law suits. The office has no administrative authority to sanction individuals or to make decisions on behalf of the university. Therefore notice to the Ombuds Office about a problem does NOT constitute legal notice to the University of Louisville. Individuals wishing to place the university on notice are referred to the appropriate office for that purpose. The University has authorized the Ombuds Office to follow the Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association, which means the Ombuds Office can only assist people who voluntarily seek ombuds assistance. Therefore, the sanctioning of anyone for using — or not using — the office is inappropriate.