Consultation with the ombuds is voluntary and not a required step in any grievance process or organizational policy. Employees may call or visit the ombuds at any time. No referral is necessary, and visits are confidential.
Faculty and staff should visit the ombuds to:
- Discuss problems or complaints with an independent and confidential resource.
- Determine what to do or whom else to speak with to address an issue or concern.
- Acquire additional information about LMU policies.
- Revisit a problem or complaint that has not been resolved.
Contact (Interim)
The Ombuds Does:
- Provide a confidential place for employees to express concerns.
- Listen impartially.
- Identify and reframe issues.
- Review and explain policies and procedures.
- Help brainstorm a range of responsible options to address problems.
- Facilitate discussion to identify best options.
- Explore a range of responsible options, including formal and informal processes.
- Point employees towards available services and resources.
- With permission and at the ombuds' discretion, engages in informal third-party intervention (IOA, 2008).
The Ombuds Does Not:
- Breach confidentiality unless:
- Specifically requested by the initiating employee.
- There is imminent danger of harm to self or others.
- Suspicion of child abuse or abuse of vulnerable adults.
- Act as an advocate or representative for a particular point of view or for any party.
- Have any formal decision-making capability.
- Determine “guilt” or “innocence.”
- Provide psychological services.
- Make decisions, create or change policy, nor mandate actions.
- Testify in any formal process inside LMU and resists testifying in any formal process outside the University.
- Keep records containing identifying information on behalf of LMU.
- Provide legal advice or services such as:
- Binding and non-binding arbitration
- Adjudication or mediation
- Remedies or sanctions
- Formal investigations*
- Record formal complaints on behalf of LMU.
- Maintain formal records for LMU. Records are kept only for purposes of reporting trends in concerns and complaints.
*If necessary, the ombuds refers employees to Janet Lindsay, EEO Officer in the Department of Human Resources, Sara Trivedi, Title IX Coordinator, or other appropriate places in the University for investigation and/or documentation.