MBUDS SERVICES

How can the Ombuds Office help you?

The Ombuds Office helps members of the PSU community resolve university-related conflicts and disputes fairly, and informally.  In order to give members of the campus community the greatest freedom in using the services that the office provides, the office is confidential, impartial, independent, and informal.
The Ombuds Office supplements, but does not replace, other administrative processes at the university.  The Ombuds Office operates independently of ordinary line and staff structures.  The office reports to the PSU President. 
When providing services, the Ombuds staff adheres to the International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, www.ombudsassociation.org.
The Ombuds Office may decline to give assistance in cases when intervention is judged to be inappropriate.

The Ombuds listens carefully to what you have to say and discusses your questions and concerns
The Ombuds helps you to develop and evaluate options and suggests approaches for addressing concerns
The Ombuds facilitates communication. 
The Ombuds advocates for a fair resolution and remains impartial to all.  Be aware that you are in control of the process.  You decide what to do about your situation and you can decide to withdraw your case at any time.
If you decide that you want the Ombuds to inquire into or talk to someone about your situation he or she will consider your request.

You are unsure about which policy or procedure applies to your situation
When you have a problem that requires someone to negotiate a solution or  facilitate discussion between you and a member of the campus community
When you want to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence
When you are uncertain of where to go or what options are available to you.

Informally inquires about issues in order to gain a greater understanding about a situation
Coaching and role-playing in order to provide you with some new ways of trying to resolve a problem on your own
Facilitating communication between people
Referring you to another campus resource
Providing information about policies, procedures, services and programs
Advising you about steps to resolve the problem informally
Advising you about formal and administrative options
Helping you to bring your issues to the attention of those with authority to address your concerns
Recommending institutional review or change in policies or procedures that generate conflict
Collaborating with other campus offices on issues of general concern

The services of the Ombuds Office do not compromise or replace policies or procedures established under collective bargaining agreements.  In addition the Ombuds does not:
Provide legal advice or legal representation
Provide psychological counseling
Make decisions on issues brought to the office
Determine “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrong-doing
Conduct formal investigations
Assign sanctions or discipline to individuals
Participate in formal hearings
Advocate for either party in a dispute
Accept notice on behalf of the university
Keep identifying records nor assume a custodial role for formal documentation