Welcome, and thanks for making time to learn more about the Brandeis Ombuds office.
The office was established in January of 2018 at the recommendation of the Brandeis Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. More about our history and how we operate can be learned through the ombuds charter as well as the current policy statement on our website.
The Office of the Ombuds of Brandeis University, “Ombuds Office” provides support in helping all members of the Brandeis community, referred to hereafter as “visitors”, resolve issues. The Office serves as a resource that is independent, impartial/neutral, informal and confidential.
The Office was established in January 2018 at the recommendation of the Brandeis Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The concept of a fully-staffed office that would serve the entire campus had its roots in Ford Hall 2015 and the demand by students that there be an Ombuds service for students. Then-President Lisa Lynch appointed several campus employees to act as internal Ombuds for students; this Charter signifies the institutionalization of that effort and broadens the scope of the Office’s services to all members of the campus community.
Read more about the charter on our website
This policy serves to formally establish and clarify the functions and practices, including confidential status, of the Brandeis Ombuds office as it relates to its interactions with campus community members.
The Ombuds office is available to all Brandeis students, faculty, staff, volunteers and affiliates. The Ombuds office is also available to any individual who has a concern about any student, faculty, staff, volunteer or affiliate of the University. This policy applies to the protections and processes offered by and to the Ombuds office between the Brandeis Ombuds staff and employees (faculty and staff), students and anyone who uses the Ombuds Office (herein referred to as “visitors”). This policy does not replace or limit any other university policies on confidentiality or prohibited release of information or other policies that may be triggered by conduct or relationships covered in this policy.
Brandeis University is committed to having a diverse community that is respectful of differences, and working through conflict at the earliest opportunity.
The office is one of the confidential resources on campus. The Ombuds staff practices in accordance with the professional organizational standards of the International Ombuds Association (IOA).
Read more about policy on our website
Appointments with an ombuds can be scheduled through our website, by email, or by phone (781-736-2265), and they can happen by phone, through Zoom, or in person.
We practice to standards set by the International Ombuds(man) Association. Those include Confidentiality, Neutrality, Independence, and Informality.
We help, support, and empower faculty, staff, students, alumni, and anyone with a connection at Brandeis.
We report trends to the community on a semesterly and annual basis. You can find those on our website. We provide upward feedback across the Brandeis community. And structurally we report to the President, Trustees, and VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Read the Ombuds reports on our website
Visit the Brandeis Ombuds website
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Brandeis Ombuds Office.