- The Office of the Ombuds is an informal, impartial and confidential resource for resolving concerns or conflicts. The office is independent and unaffiliated with any other campus office or department.
- In working with a user of the office, the Ombuds will not disclose any part of their conversations without prior permission from the user. However, the office cannot guarantee confidentiality regarding any disclosures of child or elder abuse, or imminent danger to self or others.
- If a user of the Office of the Ombuds chooses to seek a formal or legal remedy, the user is expected to disclose their intentions to the Ombuds. The role of the Ombuds does not include communications with attorneys, or involvement in formal proceedings (including grievances filed with any office that accepts formal complaints) or lawsuits filed against the University. The Ombuds does not offer legal advice, or interpretation of legal documents or university policies. Further, the user will not request that any staff members in the Office of the Ombuds be deposed for formal proceedings.
- The Office of the Ombuds does not maintain any records that would identify users of the office. All information notes or documents pertaining to a case are destroyed upon closure.
- The Office of the Ombuds has the right to discontinue providing service if there does not appear to be an informal resolution to the concern.
- The user understands that the Office of the Ombuds is not authorized to accept notice on behalf of the University of any formal action regarding the University. Therefore, it is the user’s responsibility to provide notice to the University if they choose formal action. It is also the user’s responsibility to adhere to any existing timelines or deadlines in appealing decisions or filing formal grievances.
- The Office of the Ombuds and any of its users are jointly responsible for preserving confidentiality. Accordingly, it is prohibited by California law to record (via sound or video) any conversation without prior permission from all parties. Additionally, the user understands that the Office of the Ombuds cannot be required to disclose confidential communications.