University Ombuds

What We Do

Members of the University Ombuds staff are a confidential, independent, impartial and informal resource for all members of the Brandeis Community (including undergrad and grad students, faculty, staff, alumni and anyone engaged with Brandeis University).

Role of the Ombuds Office

For Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni

  • Listen and discuss concerns, issues and questions.

  • Help visitors evaluate options to address individual(s) concerns.

  • Answer questions or help identify others who can.

  • Explain University policies and procedures.

  • Facilitate communication between people (informal mediation, facilitation, coaching, etc.).

  • Discuss ways to resolve problems informally.

  • Explain formal and administrative options.

  • Seek to help create "win-win" resolution of problems.

  • Make appropriate referrals.

  • Help in ways that ensure that visitors know they control the outcome and are free to pursue any action they feel is appropriate for their situation.

For the Institution

  • Point out patterns of problems while maintaining strict standards of confidentiality and independence.

  • Provide training.

What Does the Ombuds Office Not Do?

For Student, Faculty, Staff and Alumni

  • Participate in formal grievance or mediation processes.

  • Provide administrative or legal advice.

  • Get involved in legal proceedings.

For the Institution

  • Make administrative decisions.

  • Determine "guilt" or "innocence" of those accused of wrong-doing, or assign sanctions to individuals.

  • Acknowledge who used — or did not use — the office without the consent of the person in question.

When should I go to the Ombuds Office?

  • When you feel you have been treated unfairly.

  • When you have a situation requiring negotiation or help in facilitating communication.

  • When you are unsure which policies, procedures or regulations apply in your situation.

  • When you feel a policy, procedure or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously.

  • When you have a concern about an office, a service or a decision at Brandeis University.

  • When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue (and are uncertain with whom to talk).

  • When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a problem.

Any Brandeis community member is welcome to bring concerns or conflicts to us.