Faculty Ombudsman
Frequently Asked Questions
To whom are the faculty ombudsman services available?
To all faculty at all academic ranks associated with all OSU campuses.
Does the faculty ombudsman handle student or staff issues?
No. Undergraduate and graduate students should contact the Student Advocacy Center, Office of Student Life. Staff should contact their local Human Resources person. OSU has available a Mediation Service for faculty, staff and graduate associates (at hr.osu.edu/mediation).
What functions does the faculty ombudsman perform?
Listens to you
Answers your questions
Analyzes your situation
Explains policies and procedures
Provides information and advice
Explores possible solutions
Suggests appropriate referrals
Assists in pursuing a resolution
Informally mediates a dispute where appropriate
Apprises the administration of significant trends
Recommends changes in policies and procedures
When should a faculty member contact the faculty ombudsman?
When you:
need to have a confidential discussion about a university related problem
feel a policy or procedure has been unfairly applied to you
need information about faculty rights and university policies and procedures
need help in facilitating a resolution to a work-related problem
need help communicating with other faculty or university administrators
want to know your options for solving a work-related problem
prefer to resolve a dispute in an informal manner
want to know what university resources are available to you
What doesn’t the faculty ombudsman do?
Advocate for you, i.e., assume a non-neutral role
Represent you in a grievance procedure
Address a non-university related problem or complaint
Intervene in a formal grievance procedure
Overturn decisions by university officials
Provide legal advice or legal representation
What authority does the faculty ombudsman have?
The faculty ombudsman has no formal authority. However, he can mediate and negotiate settlements in disputes. The faculty ombudsman may identify systemic conflicts, bringing to the administration’s attention those practices, policies, and aspects of OSU culture that appear to exacerbate tensions or create problems for faculty.
If the faculty ombudsman is employed by OSU, how independent can he be?
The faculty ombudsman is not part of the OSU administration. He is free from any influence in addressing issues and resolving conflicts. The fact that faculty ombudsman works outside of the official channels means a person can raise a concern without bringing it as a formal complaint.
How long has the faculty ombudsman worked at OSU?
This is the faculty ombudsman’s 38th year as an OSU faculty member and second year as faculty ombudsman.
Do you keep records?
No. The faculty ombudsman may take notes to be sure of a comprehensive understanding of the issues. These notes and any documents that may be provided are shredded after consultation is complete. The faculty ombudsman’s notes are not subject to open records requests. The faculty ombudsman keeps only statistical data and does not keep names in a database.
What is informal, early stage, mediation?
Informal mediation is a voluntary meeting of disputing parties in which they attempt to reach their own solution with the help of the faculty ombudsman.
Some benefits of mediation include:
Parties choose their own solution; no arbitrator imposes a decision
You can work to seek common interests, rather than bringing or defending against charges of wrongdoing or violations of OSU policy
You have flexibility to reach creative solutions that a grievance or other formal proceedings may not allow
Can faculty members be compelled to use the services of the faculty ombudsman?
No. The use of these services is strictly optional.
How should I communicate with the faculty ombudsman?
Appointments can be arranged by telephone or email. Please do not include confidential information in an email.