Frequently Asked Questions
- The Ombuds Office team member you are meeting with will begin by sharing a bit about the office, our standards of practice, and what you can anticipate from them.
- The Ombuds you meet with will answer any questions you have about the office before you share anything with us.
- The Ombuds you meet with will invite you to share whatever feels important or relevant for you.
- The Ombuds you meet with will likely ask a number of questions-- both to understand your experiences and begin to explore your needs and interests in the situation.
- Together, we will work to identify and explore options.
- That you may feel better "just" by having us listen.
- Sometimes, we may help point to or clarify relevant University policies and procedures or identify helpful resources.
- We might serve as a conflict coach, helping you develop talking points or a plan of action in that initial conversation and/or in subsequent conversations.
- Sometimes we can help by serving as an impartial facilitator or intermediary.
- You and the Ombuds you meet with will discuss and weigh your options so that you can determine how you want to proceed. You are in the driver's seat.
- Listen, which may be all you want
- Offer information about University of Cincinnati policies and procedures
- Discuss concerns and clarify issues
- Help identify and evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
- Offer coaching, for example, to prepare for a difficult conversation
- Facilitate communication
- Work for collaborative agreements through mediation
- Track perceived issues and trends
- Make recommendations for institutional improvements
We will try our best to assist you, but there are some things we do not do:
- Make decisions or findings of fact
- Establish, change, or set aside policies
- Offer legal advice
- Offer psychological counseling
- Participate in grievances or other formal processes
- Serve as an agent of notice for the University
- Serve as an advocate for any individual, department or agenda
Any time:
- you are looking for informal and impartial assistance with a difficult or sensitive issue.
- you need a neutral third party to listen to your concerns.
- you seek guidance to effectively resolve a conflict on your own.
- you are unsure of where else to go.
- you need help to identify options.
- Student financial aid and billing concerns
- Undergraduate grade grievances
- Course schedule difficulties
- Academic misconduct complaints
- Fee disputes
- Discrimination
- Campus housing concerns
- Grievance procedures
- Performance evaluations
For more information on these or other university policies, please visit our links to important UC Policies & Procedures.
Any member of the university community can utilize the ombuds office. Including:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Undergraduate Students
- Graduate Students
- Post Docs
- Alumni
- Parents & Families
- Community Partners
- Others with Unviersity-Related Concerns
Yes, you are welcome to email the Ombuds Office, but please note that email communications are not considered confidential and are subject to records requests.
Mediation is a voluntary, informal and confidential process in which trained, neutral mediators facilitate a conversation between disputing parties to assist them in finding common ground and a long term agreement to resolve the dispute.
Conflict Coaching is a one-on-one process that helps people effectively manage their own conflicts. The Ombuds provide confidential and impartial advice for the UC community.