What is the SDSU Ombuds Office?
The Ombuds Office is a private place to discuss your problems, concerns or complaints. The office is an independent problem-solving resource for all members of the university community. An Ombudsperson serves students, faculty and staff by providing a place to review options for resolving problems.
Confidentiality
The Ombudsperson maintains limited records and protects the privacy of visitors to the office. There are limited exceptions to the privacy afforded within the Ombuds Office. These would include imminent risk of serious harm to an individual or disclosures required by law, regulation or court order.
Neutrality
The Ombudsperson is impartial and does not take sides in any conflict, but rather strives for a fair process and equitable results.
Informality
The Ombudsperson listens, offers information about policies, procedures and resources, and presents a visitor with a range of options for resolving problems. Visiting the Ombuds Office neither begins any formal process. The Ombudsperson does not keep formal records regarding contacts with visitors to the office.
Independence
The Ombuds Office functions independently of all other offices within the university, and remains separate from the formal grievance process.
What does an Ombuds Office do?
- Listens to problems and concerns
- Reviews possible options
- Explains policies and procedures
- Provides information regarding available resources
- Provides information about formal and informal grievance reporting options
- Makes referrals
- Facilitates communication between people
What an Ombuds Office does NOT do:
- Take sides in a dispute
- Determine guilt or innocence
- Give legal advice
- Offer psychological counseling
- Participate in any formal grievance process
- Represent or advocate for any individual or group