Get in touch; the Ombuds want to hear from you!

Sandy McDermott, Ombuds, 503-725-5901
Room M313 Smith Memorial Student Union [3rd floor mezzanine]*
Email:  mcdermotta@pdx.edu

Stop by to visit as a first step or a last resort—or anywhere along the way.  The Ombuds Office provides a confidential, impartial, independant, and informal dispute resolution service for all of the PSU community, including undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators.  The Ombuds will listen to your concerns; give you information about the University's policies, procedures, and practices; help you evaluate your situation, and assist you in making plans to resolve the conflict. You control the process.

You are welcome to drop in without an appointment and the Ombuds will meet with you if she is available at the time. Appointments can nearly always be arranged for the same week, and often for the same day. A confidential meeting will be arranged at a time convenient for you.

The Ombuds can be most effective if she meets with you, but if you prefer, she will work with you over the telephone. The Ombuds generally does not work through e-mail and discourages you from e-mailing any confidential information. It is recommended that communications with PSU Ombuds be done by phone or in person.

All members of the University community have the right to consult the Ombuds, and retaliation for exercising that right will not be tolerated. Owing to the confidential, informal, and neutral function of the Ombuds Office, communication with the Ombuds does not constitute notice to the University.

IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, PLEASE LET US KNOW. WE WILL TRY TO ACCOMMODATE YOU.