Confidentiality

The ombudsperson is firmly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of visitors and will keep all information confidential to the extent allowed by law, unless there is a threat of harm to oneself or others.

The ombudsperson will not disclose your meeting or any part of your confidential communications except with your permission to do so.

In those situations in which the ombudsperson believes that talking with someone may help your situation, he or she will ask for your permission before any disclosures are made.

The ombudsperson may be taking a problem forward for help in resolving the issue or seeking clarification for the visitor. The ombudsperson must maintain working relationships with managers and others and may meet periodically with such individuals to discuss situations where the ombudsperson has permission to speak with that individual.

The ombudsperson attends various meetings to learn about changes in the university and may serve on or chair committees not related to functions of the office.

No employee shall suffer loss of pay for reasonable time spent in bringing a complaint to the ombudsperson. No individual shall be retaliated against for using the services of the ombudsperson.