An ombuds or ombudsman is an independent role on campus that helps individuals and groups address and resolve conflicts in a way that is neutral and confidential. Learn more on the main Ombuds page.

• Listen
• Clarify policies and procedures
• Offer an impartial perspective
• Identify resources
• Provide options to issues
• Provide coaching for difficult conversations
• Recommend constructive change in university policy
• Facilitate team discussions
• Conduct mediations
• Conduct conflict resolution workshops and presentations
• Provide customized workshops and presentations

These are a few of the most common reasons students visit the Ombuds Office.

1. Conflict Resolution
   • Think through a conflict or concern confidentially.
   • Discuss a situation off the record with a knowledgeable person.
   • Seek help in communicating with others.
   • Get assistance with difficult conversations (colleague, supervisor, etc.).
   • Explore alternatives for resolving problems.
   • Learn how to resolve conflicts independently.
   • Receive facilitation or informal mediation support.
   • Try to resolve conflicts informally.
2. Ethical and Misconduct Issues
   • Think through ethical or misconduct issues.
   • Address misconduct (academic, financial, research-related).
3. Guidance and Support
   • Talk about difficult decisions and available options.
   • Learn the process for filing formal complaints or appeals.
   • Get a reality check from an impartial perspective.
   • Find the appropriate University contact for questions.
   • Seek help identifying constructive processes for issues.
   • Learn about other available resources.
   • Request a confidential channel to report concerns.
   • Retain control over conflict/concern handling.

1. Interpersonal Disputes
   • Conflicts between University community members (professors, classmates, etc.).
   • Challenging relationships.
   • Difficult conversations.
   • Miscommunication.
2. Understanding Policies and Procedures
   • Navigating University bureaucracy.
   • Clarifying policies and procedures.
3. Academic Concerns
   • Disputes over grades, add/drop process, and academic credit.
   • Withdrawals given extenuating circumstances.
   • Student-instructor misunderstandings about course requirements.
4. Ethical Dilemmas and Misconduct
   • Ethical dilemmas and difficult decisions.
   • Potential misconduct issues (academic, financial, research-related).
5. Safety and Well-being
   • Juggling family/personal responsibilities with work/study.
   • Conditions, culture, or climate of the working/academic environment.
   • Suggestions to improve the University environment.
   • Health, safety, and wellness.
6. Fear of Retaliation
   • Concerns about retaliation for raising issues.
   • Self-advocacy.

1. Introduction and Principles
   • The University Ombuds will explain their role and the principles of confidentiality, informality, neutrality, and independence.
2. Questions and Sharing
   • The Ombuds will answer your questions.
   • You will share information about your conflict or concern.
3. Active Listening and Goal Clarification
   • The Ombuds will listen actively to help identify your issues and clarify your goals.
4. Exploring Options
   • Together, you will brainstorm and explore possible options for addressing your concerns. These may include:
     • Referrals to other offices or resources at UVU.
     • Identifying relevant policies and procedures.
     • Discussing informal actions (e.g., having a difficult conversation).
     • Considering formal options (e.g., filing a formal grievance).
5. Additional Assistance
   • The Ombuds may assist by:
     • Coaching you on conflict-resolution strategies.
     • Mediating or facilitating discussions.
     • Acting as a shuttle diplomat to communicate with others.
     • Helping you retrieve necessary information.
6. Decision-Making
   • You decide which options to pursue.

Send an email to [email protected] or call us at 801-863-8952 and leave a message with your name, the date and time, and the best way to reach you.

You may also schedule an appointment online.

The Ombuds will contact you within 24-48 hours.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of the Ombuds Office and is required by the profession's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Your identity and concerns will not be disclosed without your permission unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm or a legal obligation to do so (i.e., Title IX issues).

No. The Ombuds Office is an informal, off-the-record resource and is not authorized to receive or accept legal notice of claims against the University, including allegations of crime, research misconduct, sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment. However, the Ombuds is mandated to report incidents of alleged discrimination and harassment based on sex or gender to the University (i.e., Title IX Office).

However, you can discuss your concerns with the Ombuds Office, and they will refer you to the appropriate office to submit a claim formally.

The Ombuds Office maintains anonymous, aggregate data. No formal records or personally identifiable documents are created or preserved. Informal notes, created only for case management purposes, are disposed of at the conclusion of the concern.

You are always invited to contact the Ombuds Office no matter what conflict or concern you are facing at UVU. The office can also help you quickly determine if another resource may be better suited to your needs/interests or if there is a reason that the Ombuds Office may not work with you (e.g., collective bargaining matter, conflict of interest).

An ombuds office charter is a document that defines the role of the ombuds and scope of their duties and establishes a shared understanding of how the ombuds office will function within an organization. View the UVU University Ombuds Office Charter.

The Ombuds Office recommends that you use email or online form to set up appointments, but that you not use it to detail your concern/conflict. The reason for this is that email communication is not fully confidential, and sharing information through email may inadvertently jeopardize the confidentiality you are hoping to preserve/obtain.

No, not at all. However, while no formal preparation is necessary, it may be helpful for you to collect your thoughts before visiting the Ombuds Office. Below are some questions to consider:

• What is the conflict/concern that you are facing?
• How do you hope to improve or resolve your situation?
• Who else is involved in the conflict/concern?
• If this situation has been going on for a while, do you have a clear sense of the timeline?
• Have you tried to work out the situation before reaching out to the University Ombuds, and, if so, what did you do and what happened as a result of your action(s)?
• Is something or someone holding you back from addressing this concern/conflict? If so, what and/or who are doing so?
• Are there any documents that you want to share with the University Ombuds during your meeting (e.g., emails, disciplinary letters)?