Hallmarks of Ombuds Practice
UNM’s Ombuds Services for Faculty adheres to the principles and standards of practice established by the International Ombudsman Association.
Accordingly, the University Ombudsperson serves as a confidential, neutral, informal, and independent resource for faculty concerns and conflicts.
Confidential: Faculty identities and the contents of their conversations remain private. Only with permission would ombudspersons contact other University members to help resolve a dispute. The only exceptions to confidentiality are disclosures of imminent harm to self, others, or property.
Impartial: Ombudspersons maintain no personal stake in the outcome of any dispute. The Ombuds office promotes fair process and does not take sides or advocate for individuals.
Informal: The use of the Ombuds services is voluntary. The focus is on alternative methods to resolving problems other than by formal institutional procedures. Ombuds staff do not testify informal hearings. The office has no decision-making authority and maintains no official records.
Independent: Ombudspersons exercise autonomy regarding their responsibilities. the Ombudsperson for Faculty reports to the Provost for administrative and budgetary purposes only.