University Ombuds Office
University of Kansas

The University Ombuds Office is a safe place where members of the University of Kansas community can go for impartial, confidential assistance in resolving conflicts, disputes, or complaints on an informal basis.   The University Ombuds Office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. These standards were developed in accordance with commonly understood principles within the ombuds profession: “informal, independent, impartial, and confidential.”

Informal:  An Ombuds facilitates communication when conflict arises and provides an opportunity for informal dispute resolution.  Since the University Ombuds Office is informal and “off-the-record,” formal complaints are not filed here.  We also must cease assistance if the visitor is involved in a formal grievance process or an attorney becomes involved in the dispute. In addition, the University Ombuds Office does not become involved in union disputes.  An Ombuds does not arbitrate, adjudicate, or participate in any internal or external formal proceedings, nor shall Ombuds participate as witnesses with respect to confidential communication.  

Independent:  To ensure objectivity, the University Ombuds Office operates independently of the usual administrative authorities. The University Ombuds Office is free from interference in the legitimate performance of their duties.

Impartial: An Ombuds is not an advocate for individuals but is an advocate for fair process. An Ombuds will not take sides in any conflict, dispute or issue, but considers the interests and concerns of all parties involved with the aim of achieving a fair and equitable outcome. The Ombuds Office is a neutral resource for everyone involved.

Confidential:  The University Ombuds Office is confidential.  The University Ombuds Office will not share any information a visitor provides without the visitor’s permission. An exception to maintaining any such confidentiality would be if the University Ombuds Office had a reasonable concern about possible violence or physical harm. In addition, the University Ombuds Office does not keep records on behalf of the university.  An Ombuds will not receive documents from a visitor nor keep “on file” any information given to the office. 

By telling the University Ombuds Office about a conflict, dispute or complaint, a visitor has not informed or notified any university official of the grievance; therefore, the university cannot and will not take any action to remedy the situation.  In order for the university to take action to remedy a complaint, one must share the information with an official who represents the university.  However, the University Ombuds Office can refer a visitor to the appropriate person in order to request that the university take action, if that is what the visitor wants.  The University Ombuds Office can inform a visitor of university policies and procedures related to the situation if it is decided to take the complaint to a formal level.  If a visitor has a reason for not wanting to go through official channels, a talk with an Ombuds may help identify alternative courses of action.

Kellie Harmon, University Ombuds
Maria Orive, Faculty Ombuds
Steve Grabow, Faculty Ombuds
Room 34 Carruth O’Leary; (785) 864-7261
www.ku.edu/~ombuds/

*If you met with a K.U. Ombuds or consulted with one of us on the phone, please visit http://surveys.ku.edu/Ombuds/index.html to complete a confidential evaluation form. We appreciate your feedback!