What an Ombudsperson Does and Does Not Do

What an Ombudsperson Does
  • Listens to your concerns and provides an opportunity to discuss concerns openly.
  • Assists you in exploring options.
  • Facilitates communication among persons in conflict.
  • Mediates disputes, and works to resolve conflicts as early as possible and at the least adversarial level.
  • Provides information on campus resources and faculty policies.
  • Refers you to the appropriate office, if not Ombuds/Dispute Resolution Services.
What an Ombudsperson Does Not Do
  • The ombudsperson does not take sides or advocate for any individual.
  • The ombudsperson does not handle legal issues or formal grievances.
  • The ombudsperson does not provide legal advice.
  • The ombudsperson does not accept legal notice for UNM, should you wish to go “on record” about an issue or put the university on notice.
  • The ombudsperson does not address disputes between faculty and persons/organizations not affiliated with UNM.