We’re here to help you address any work or learning-related concerns at Duke.
Services provided by the Office of the Ombuds include consultation, conflict coaching, mediation, and group facilitation.
Consultation: The Office of the Ombuds offers a protected space for all university staff, faculty, and students to share concerns important to them and identify options and resources available to address those concerns. As an informal resource intended to assist individuals in resolving their concerns at the lowest possible level, the Office supplements but does not replace formal channels or grievance processes at the university. Use of the office is voluntary, and no one can be compelled to visit.
Conflict Coaching: Conflict coaching is a goal-oriented, one-on-one process. Conflict coaching focuses on supporting individuals’ ability to manage their differences with others productively. Coaching can entail one or multiple sessions depending on the nature and complexity of a situation.
Mediation: Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is a process that helps two or more people in conflict talk constructively about their differences, identify the issues they hope to address and develop options that work for them.The Ombuds serves as an impartial mediator and does not decide who is right or wrong or how things should be resolved.Any decisions reached during mediation are up to each person. Mediation is voluntary and confidential.
Group Facilitation: Group facilitation is a process of helping people to explore, learn and change. In group facilitation, the Ombuds is a neutral guide or discussion leader to help groups improve problem-solving, share information, generate and organize ideas, make decisions, and develop action plans. Facilitation is appropriate when an important issue needs to be addressed, a solution is not readily apparent, and buy-in from a number of people is needed for any solution to be successful. As a neutral facilitator, the Ombuds has no authority to make decisions on behalf of or for the group.
