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Faculty Ombuds Office

Your Confidential Resource for Faculty Life

The Ombuds Office is a safe, neutral and confidential space where you can discuss concerns, resolve conflicts, or simply talk through a difficult situation. We are here to support every member of our faculty.

Learn more about our services

  • Confidential

  • Independent

  • Impartial

  • Informal

A Neutral Space for Every Faculty Voice

The Faculty Ombuds Office is an independent, informal and impartial resource dedicated to helping you navigate a wide range of professional issues. It’s role is not to judge or investigate, but to listen to your perspective, help you understand your options, and facilitate communication or next steps so you can move forward with confidence. This is a resource outside of formal university channels, committed to protecting your privacy and helping you find clarity and/or action steps forward. 

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Guiding Principles

Mines’ Ombuds Office is built on the core principles of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), ensuring the office operates with the highest standards of integrity and trust.

  • Confidentiality: What you share with the ombuds stays in the confines of the conversation. the ombuds does not share information about your visit or the content of conversations. The only exception is when there is an imminent risk of serious harm that mandates reporting.
  • Impartiality: The ombuds will not advocate for you or for any specific outcome. Instead, we advocate for clear and open processes, helping parties involved with perspective, policy knowledge, or connections to find a constructive path forward.
  • Independence: The office operates independently of the university’s formal administrative structure. This separation ensures the office can act without bias and with autonomy.
  • Informality: The ombuds office is not part of any formal grievance or disciplinary process. The office provides a place for off-the-record conversations, helping you explore options without committing to any formal action.
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What We Can Help With

We can assist with a variety of issues, including:

  • Workplace conflicts and communication breakdowns
  • Concerns about professional conduct
  • Navigating university policies and procedures
  • Questions about professional relationships
  • Interpersonal disputes

Note: If we are not the right office to help with your specific issue, we will guide you to the appropriate resources.

Ready to Connect?

To ensure we can best assist you, all concerns should be submitted through our secure Google Form. This is the primary way we track and manage matters, and it’s the most efficient way to engage with the office.

How to Get in Touch?

  • Inquire about a visit: Please use our Google Form to report a matter or express a concern. The form allows us to gather the necessary details to understand your issue, while still respecting your privacy.
  • Email for Anonymity: If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also use our dedicated email address. This email serves as a last resort for those who are uncomfortable using the form. However, even if you reach out via email, we strongly encourage you to still submit a form to help us track matters more accurately, even if you do not include identifying information.

Location: Indicate on the google form where you would like to meet, if in person, or how you would like to connect, if virtual.

Cortney Holles headshot Cortney E. P. Holles, Faculty Ombuds

Email us today: mines.ombuds@gmail.com

Inquire About a Visit

FAQs

What exactly is an ombuds?

An ombuds is a neutral, independent party who provides confidential and informal assistance to the faculty community in resolving concerns. We are a resource for listening, coaching, and providing referrals.

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes. You can submit a google form or email us anonymously. While we use the form to track data and manage concerns, we will never share your identity or the details of your visit without your permission. 

Will you advocate for my position?

Our role is to be impartial. We don’t advocate for individuals or for any specific outcome. Instead, we advocate for fair process and help you explore all of your options to find a path that works for you. 

Is reporting to the ombuds a formal part of a complaint process?

No, the ombuds is an informal resource. Submitting a report is not a formal notice to the university. You can come to us before, during, or after a formal process. 

What if I need to take a formal action after submitting a report?

We can help you understand the formal university processes that are available, but we cannot take any formal action on your behalf. We can help you prepare for and navigate those processes if you choose to pursue them.