The ombuds does not have the authority to tell others what to do or not do. However, the ombuds does have the authority to negotiate and mediate problems and conflicts. The ombuds also has the authority to contact managers and senior officers of the university, to gather information in the course of looking into a problem, to bring concerns to the attention of those in authority and to attempt to expedite administrative processes. Although the Office does not have the power to change university rules or policies, the campus ombuds can make recommendations to those with the authority to make changes.