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An Ombuds is an independent, neutral and impartial faculty member trained in mediation and conflict resolution. The Ombuds provides confidential and informal assistance for a variety of faculty and faculty administrator's professional issues and concerns.

The primary tasks for the Ombuds are to be the resource for faculty and faculty administrators contact about concerns, issues, and problems, make referrals, organize and direct the mediators committee, schedule mediation, consult with faculty and faculty administrators, and schedule mediated meetings.

The ombuds can be contacted through the email address on the website.

Mediation is a formal process with trained mediators to try and resolve conflicts among faculty and faculty administrations associated with Faculty Handbook policies.

Faculty mediators consult with faculty, suggest alternatives and options, make referrals, facilitate mediated department, college or group meetings, and plan and guide the process for mediation

Mediation is centered around the policies and procedures in the Faculty Handbook, the Faculty Code of Conduct and the Faculty Complaint procedure. Problems or concerns associated with discrimination and Title IX are referred to those University units.

Mediation can be accessed by contacting the ombuds or any faculty mediator listed in the directory.

The ombuds and mediators keep all inquiries and consultations confidential. When the mediation involves other people or resources, the requestor of mediation will be notified and their permission to contact others obtained. The mediators keep all information confidential and destroy related documents in accord with the state and legal laws and guidelines for universities.

Yes, you can refuse to participate in mediation. All participants involved must agree to mediation.

Consultation take place with the ombuds or a mediator to determine if a problem or issue is covered by the Faculty Handbook, to suggest alternatives and options, and to make referrals when needed.

All faculty including research faculty, adjunct faculty, faculty of all ranks, department chairs, deans, and faculty administrators.

Mediated meetings usually occur between groups to try and resolve disputes and other conflicts. These groups can be from the program, department, or college levels. Mediated meetings can ensure decorum during the meeting, that all viewpoints are heard respectfully, and that collaborative decisions are made.

Mediated meetings are usually requested by program directors, department chairs, and deans.