The Ombuds Office is an independent, impartial, neutral and confidential resource for faculty and staff and is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and adheres to its Standards of Practice and to its Code of Ethics.
WHO CAN CONTACT THE OMBUDS OFFICE?
The Ombuds Office provides a confidential and informal environment in which faculty and staff can discuss a variety of issues related to Barnard College, except for matters covered by a union, and for students to discuss issues related to a faculty and/or staff member.
WHAT SERVICES DOES THE OMBUDS OFFICE PROVIDE?
- Listen to concerns
- Help you evaluate your situation
- Explain College policies and procedures
- Explore your options
- Assist you to develop strategies for resolving conflicts
- Engage in informal conflict resolution (only with your permission)
- Facilitate conversations
- Mediate disputes
- Provide information and referrals
- Analyze ongoing or College-wide trends and issues
WHAT THE OMBUDS OFFICE DOES NOT DO?
The office won't:
- Disclose any information shared, except if we believe that disclosure is necessary to address an imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else
- Report anything to anyone; including the Title IX coordinator
- Conduct formal investigations
- Adjudicate a matter or change a Barnard College policy
Note: The Ombuds Office is not an office of notice: what is shared with the Ombuds Office will remain confidential and will not put Barnard College on legal notice.