Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An Ombuds is an independent, neutral third party who assists faculty in resolving problems, concerns and complaints, confidentially and through informal means, such as coaching, opening lines of communication, and facilitated conversation.
Anytime. Individuals often find it helpful to discuss options and strategies with the Ombuds confidentially before taking steps that are more formal. You do not need to exhaust other resources before visiting the Ombuds.
- Communication challenges with faculty, chairs, supervisors, coworkers, student employees
- Concerns regarding equity, fairness, and respect
- Employment issues that could affect relationships and/or success
- Fear of confrontation
- Personality conflicts that may affect employment
- Supervisor-employee relations
- Diversity related concerns
- Trust concerns
- Issues during change management
- Concerns regarding working conditions
- Harassment concerns
- Concerns about abuse or waste of organizational resources
- Questions about policies and/or procedures
There are numerous benefits of speaking with the Ombuds, including but not limited to:
- Confidentiality: Your name and information is confidential unless you give permission to release it, or if there is, a situation of risk of serious harm, or University policy or the law mandates the Ombuds to do so.
- Impartial: The Ombuds can help you to think through the situation and see things from multiple viewpoints.
- Voluntary: You choose the path of resolution.
- No Retaliation: You can speak freely and honestly without fear of retaliation.
- Resources: You can receive help to connect with other resources.
No. The Ombuds is not a lawyer and does not provide legal advice. The Ombuds will assist in identifying University procedures or policies and can help you evaluate options.
No. The Ombuds is a designated neutral party and does not take sides. The Ombuds advocates for a fair process.
No. The Ombuds will forward anonymous submissions to the appropriate college, department, or office.
Conversations with the Ombuds are confidential, and the Ombuds will not disclose any part of your conversation without your permission, with two exceptions. If the Ombuds learns of the possibility of physical harm to anyone, including you, the Ombuds will report that information to an appropriate authority or agency. The Ombuds is required to disclose information based on applicable University policy and/or legal considerations.
As a matter of policy, the Ombuds destroys all information regarding a particular matter when the matter is resolved. The Ombuds follows the UTRGV retention schedule for electronic correspondence. Information kept is statistical in nature and does not identify an individual/s involved in a conflict, dispute or complaint.
No. The Ombuds is available to all faculty of UTRGV. Faculty cannot be penalized for seeking services with the Ombuds.
Because the Ombuds is an informal resource, you can ignore it. The Ombuds can provide information and options, but you are the one who is responsible for deciding what you want to do next.
No. The Office of the Faculty Ombuds provides services as an alternative to formal processes. The Ombuds does not participate in, provide documents for, or testify in formal processes.
No. The Office of the Faculty Ombuds is an informal resource and does not participate or engage in any disciplinary action/processes. At the request of a visitor, the Ombuds may reach out to an individual/s to gather information or provide information to those with authority or influence on the matter.
You are welcome to visit with the Ombuds, discuss your concern, and identify options. Keep in mind that the Faculty Ombuds does not conduct investigations or issue decisions. Information discussed with the Ombuds remains confidential, so telling the Ombuds about a situation does not put the University on notice, but the Ombuds can help you figure out how to accomplish your goal.
It may be helpful to visit with the Ombuds anyway. You may learn some strategies you could use to deal with the situation. Not everyone feels the need to work on a resolution right now, but there are things you can do to make your situation feel a little calmer. Often, just talking about a difficult issue or concern can relieve some of the stress.