Ombudsperson

Available to any faculty member, the ombudsperson serves as a source of information, confidential advice, and assistance in resolving serious concerns of individual faculty members. Such concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• research misconduct proceedings
• faculty discipline and dismissal matters
• sexual harassment concerns
• faculty promotion & tenure appeals

The ombudsperson will not address collective concerns of the faculty; these should be addressed through the Faculty Senate and its committees and officers.

Grievances

The ombudsperson may serve as the initial point of action for an individual faculty member’s grievance. The ombudsperson should act as a neutral party to inform the faculty member about issues of concern and to develop resolution options that address the faculty member’s concerns. The ombudsperson shall not have authority to set policy or to direct a specific resolution to a matter. Faculty may also initiate a grievance with the University Senate Grievance Committee.

The ombudsperson may meet with the relevant administrative officers of the AU and other organizations to assist in resolving the faculty member’s concerns. The ombudsperson shall have reasonable access to relevant institutional records, subject to regulations or policies on privacy and confidentiality and subject to Board of Regents guidelines. The ombudsperson will keep confidential all information shared by the faculty member unless the faculty member authorizes disclosure or the Ombudsperson’s legal and ethical duties compel the disclosure. The Ombudsperson does not participate in any formal institutional process, as an advocate, witness, or in any other formal role. The ombudsperson attends all Faculty Senate meetings, ex-officio, and non-voting (AUFS Bylaws IV, 3.3.6.3.)