The Office of the Ombuds has the authority to:
- Contact senior officers of the university
- Gather information in the course of looking into a problem
- Mediate disputes
- Bring concerns to the attention of those in authority
- Attempt to expedite administrative processes
The Office of the Ombuds is entitled to inquire informally about any issue that concerns the university and affects any member of the university community. This means the campus ombuds might initiate an informal inquiry without having received a specific complaint. Campus individuals who are contacted by the ombuds with requests for information are expected to cooperate and, as much as possible, to provide appropriate information as requested.
While the office does not keep records of specific complaints or problems, the ombuds keeps track of general statistical patterns and bring concerns to the attention of those with authority to make institutional improvements. This data may signal emerging issues, indicate new trends, highlight vulnerable groups or suggest areas of development. The data collection never includes details that could identify individuals' confidential information.
The Office of the Ombuds is an autonomous office and reports directly to the Chancellor.
