Slide One
Cal Poly University Ombuds Office
Glenda Brock, Ph.D.
Buidling 1 -106
Slide Two:
Got problems!!!
- Not sure where to go?
- Which way to turn?
Slide Three:
Cal Poly University Ombuds Office
- Are you behind the 8 ball?
- Do you feel like you’re in a sinking boat?
- The Ombuds provides an accessible, independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource to assist you in the resolution of your problems and conflicts.
Slide Four:
What exactly does an Ombuds do?
- Listens and discusseS
- Provides options
- Answers questions
- Explains University policies and procedures
- Facilitates/mediates communication between people
- Steps to resolve problems
- Provides trends or patterns of problems/complaints to the University President.
Slide Five:
Is there anything the Ombuds cannot do?
The Ombuds WILL NOT:
- Direct any University office to change a decision
- Offer legal advice
- Make decisions for you
- Have a stake in outcomes
- Be a part of any formal processes
- Advocate for any party to the dispute.
Slide Six:
When should I visit the Ombuds office?
- Go as soon as you feel there might be a problem
- Need to discuss a sensitive question or issue
- Feel you have been treated unfairly
- Help in just getting things started
- Situation requiring negotiation or facilitating communication
- Unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply
- When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a problem
Slide Seven:
Are there disputes the Ombuds Office does not address?
- Disputes between members of the campus community and private individuals, such as, your significant-other, landlords, or parents.
- Disputes involving formal processes with unions, disciplinary offices, or legal suits.
Slide Eight:
What will I gain by coming to the Ombuds Office?
- Insight into a complicated situation
- A clearer perspective on your issue or concern
- Enhanced ability to deal effectively with a problem
- Identification and clarification of options
- Effective communication skills to resolve interpersonal issues
Slide Nine:
What other services does the Ombuds Office provide?
- Suggest changes in university policies and procedures
- Provide workshops for faculty, students, and staff.
Slide Ten:
What does confidentiality mean?
- Confidentiality of all dealings and communications with the office
- Issues regarding any disclosures of public safety, such as danger to oneself or others may not be kept
- Communications with the Ombuds is not a first step in a formal complaint to the University
- The Ombuds does not communicate with attorneys or have any other involvement in the matter once legal steps have been initiated
Slide Eleven:
Confidentiality
- No confidential or sensitive information is communicated by e-mail or voice mail
- Confidentiality is maintained by the Ombuds and by you
Slide Twelve
Come to the Ombuds Office : Building 1 - 106
A Confidential, neutral, informal and independent resource for the Cal Poly Campus Community.
It’s better than complaining at the Fitness Center.
