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FAQs
What happens when you go to the Ombuds Office?
The Ombudsperson provides a comfortable, confidential environment to discuss problems, concerns, or complaints. She will review basic information about the office at the beginning of your meeting, making sure that you understand the limits of confidentiality**. Then, you can discuss your issue and review options for approaching your problem. The Ombudsperson will work with you to develop a strategy for pursuing resolution of your issue.
What happens to information provided to the Ombudsperson?
The Ombudsperson does not keep records with identifying information in the office – all visitors are assigned a number they can reference when contacting the Ombuds Office. All written information and notes are destroyed when a matter is closed or within one month of no activity. The only data that are kept in the office are de-identified statistics about the type of visitor (faculty or staff), the type of complaint, and what action was taken. These data are stored electronically and are only accessed by the Ombudsperson – none of the data are associated with individual names or identifying information. The data are used to prepare the Annual Report, which is available to the LSU community and the public.
How is the Ombudsperson different from Human Resource Management Department?
The Ombuds Office supplements existing conflict resolution mechanisms on campus, such as grievance committees and employee assistance programs. The Ombudsperson is uniquely INFORMAL and CONFIDENTIAL. By being informal, the Ombudsperson can address concerns before they become disputes requiring formal interventions or grievances. The Ombudsperson can offer confidentiality** to those who are fearful of retaliation, being perceived as a “troublemaker,” or who want to avoid the loss of confidentiality associated with triggering a formal investigation.
What kind of issues do you help with?
The Ombudsperson provides assistance to employees with a variety of issues, including interpersonal conflicts with co-workers or supervisors; communication problems; concerns about job status and work environment; and questions about what options are available for handling a problem according to LSU policy.
I know what an Ombudsperson can do – what doesn’t an Ombudsperson do?
The Ombudsperson does not offer legal advice or mental health counseling; does not have any formal authority to render decisions about issues brought to the office; does not act as an advocate or representative of any party; and does not participate in formal hearings or other formal processes. The Ombudsperson does not record formal complaints on behalf of LSU, and the Ombudsperson is not designated by LSU as an individual authorized to receive reports of any violations of university policy. Therefore, communications made to the Ombudsperson regarding possible violations of university policies or of unlawful practices do not constitute notice to LSU. This allows the Ombudsperson to preserve the confidential and impartial nature of the office. If you would like to make a formal complaint, you will be referred to the appropriate office and/or policy.
How do I get time off to use your services?
Individuals may call or visit the Ombudsperson at any time during published office hours – no referral is necessary. If you want to come to the Ombuds Office during your work hours, you must notify your supervisor about where you are going and receive approval to leave your assigned work area. You have the right to access the Ombudsperson during work hours if crucial work functions will be covered in your absence, and supervisors have the authority to grant such administrative leave. If you do not want for your supervisor to know that you are visiting the Ombuds Office, you may want to consider using your own leave, or arrange an appointment at a time that doesn’t interfere with your work schedule (e.g., breaks or before or after work shift starts).
Do other universities have Ombuds Offices?
Yes, many other universities offer Ombuds services. You can access an up-to-date, linked list of American (and international) schools which have Ombuds Offices at this website: http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/.
**The only exceptions to the confidentiality of Ombuds communications are 1) in the case of danger to self or others, or 2) in the case of child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse. |
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