What are the qualifications of the Ombuds?

The ombuds are all members of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and adhere to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The ombuds have completed training specific to organizational ombuds with the International Ombuds Association and have extensive experience in mediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, and communication. Each ombuds has undergone specialized training in these areas and holds a terminal degree. They regularly engage in professional development to stay current with best practices.

As a matter of policy, the Office of the Ombuds destroys all information shared by an individual once meetings are concluded or within one month of no activity. We do not retain any information that would identify those who either have contacted or worked with our office. 

The Office of the Ombuds is a resource that helps address concerns informally, that is through consultation, conflict coaching, facilitated conversations, and negotiation. What you share with the ombuds does not make the university aware of your concern. If you want someone at the university to be aware of your concern, the ombuds can discuss how, where and with whom you can raise it formally. The Office of the Office has the ability to facilitate conversations; make recommendations for change in a policy or practice; bring issues to the attention of those with authority to address systemic concerns; meet with department heads, deans, vice chancellors, and upper-level administration; and expedite administrative processes. 

Our office and PAS [or CAPS] share some important features, including a practice of confidentiality, and staff experienced in assisting with highly sensitive concerns, troubled relationships, communication breakdowns, and organizational problems. 
 
The Office of the Ombuds is staffed by organizational ombuds with extensive experience in conflict management and alternative dispute resolution. An ombuds can help you evaluate just about any kind of concern you may have regarding life, work, or school at Duke. The Office of the Ombuds reports to the President for administrative and budgetary purposes, which helps ensure its independence and impartiality.   Finally, our mission includes communicating trends and patterns of problems to senior officials at Duke University so that systemic problems can be identified and addressed. 
 
PAS is an employee assistance program available to all faculty, staff and their household family members. [Omit this sentence if referring to CAPS.] 
 
PAS [CAPS] is staffed by licensed behavioral health providers, licensed social workers and psychologists. They provide confidential consultation and counseling for both personal and/or work-/ [learning-] related problems and can make appropriate referrals to campus and community resources. 

No. As an impartial and independent resource, the Office of the Ombuds does not take sides on behalf of or advocate for any individual or cause. Thus, the ombuds is not a substitute for an advocate, lawyer, representative, witness, or counselor. Working with the ombuds may help you address your concerns effectively, but contacting the office does not constitute giving notice to the university (i.e., making the university aware) of any claims you might have. If you have questions about your legal rights, you may wish to consult with a lawyer or other appropriate resources to obtain guidance about when and/or how to notify the university of a claim. 

The Office of the Ombuds is situated outside of the management structure at Duke and reports directly to the President for administrative and budgetary purposes. The Office of the Ombuds can function independently and impartially in part because it is not connected to any other office. The Office also upholds a very strict promise of confidentiality which allows you to have off-the-record conversations about highly sensitive concerns.