Welcome to The Office of the Ombuds
Office of The Ombuds
University Ombuds Office
The University Ombuds works to solve problems, to allay frustration, and to advise those requesting help
We are a resource available to support students, faculty, staff, and the university community by providing confidential assistance in resolving issues, concerns, or disputes. We serve as a neutral third party, providing resources, guidance, and conflict-resolution strategies.
Our services are available to:
- Employees, students, and members of the university community
- Anyone seeking to address issues or conflicts within the organization
- Anyone who wishes to explore their options or get information about internal policies or processes
Confidential off-the-record resource for option exploration where you can:
- Talk about a concern
- Explore options for resolution
- Understand policies and procedures
- Communicate and get support navigating challenges
A conversation with the Ombuds is:
- An open line of communication which is confidential and voluntary
- Your experience matters and the ombuds is here to listen!
Ethical Principles
The Ombuds Office operates independently in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization. The Ombuds Officer is not part of line management, does not make management decisions, and cannot compel anyone to take a particular course of action. The office has access to university information and individuals as permitted by law.
The Ombuds Office is a safe, confidential resource. Identities and concerns shared with the office are not disclosed without permission, except as required by law, including Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, or in cases of imminent risk of serious harm.
The Ombuds Office does not keep records and cannot serve as an Office of Record or Notice. Any brief personal notes are temporary and securely destroyed once a concern is addressed. If additional parties need to be involved, this will always be discussed with you in advance and will not proceed without your consent.
Please note that email is not appropriate for confidential communication.
The Ombuds Office does not keep records and cannot serve as an Office of Record or Notice. Any brief personal notes are temporary and securely destroyed once a concern is addressed. If additional parties need to be involved, this will always be discussed with you in advance and will not proceed without your consent.
Please note that email is not appropriate for confidential communication.
The Ombuds Office is an informal resource that supports all members of the FAU community. It does not serve as a place to give formal notice of wrongdoing but can refer visitors to the appropriate offices.
The Ombuds Office encourages resolving concerns at the lowest effective level before they escalate. If a matter requires a formal grievance or appeal, the Ombuds Office will explain available options, but its involvement ends once a formal process begins.
The Ombuds Office encourages resolving concerns at the lowest effective level before they escalate. If a matter requires a formal grievance or appeal, the Ombuds Office will explain available options, but its involvement ends once a formal process begins.
The Ombuds Office does not take sides, but considers the rights and interests of all parties involved in searching for a fair resolution to the problem.
The Ombuds Office is a designated neutral. The University Ombuds does not advocate for the individual who contacts or visits the office, nor for the institution, and has no stake in the outcome. The University Ombuds role is to consider all sides of an issue, respect the rights and interests of all parties, and promote fairness.
The Ombuds Office is a designated neutral. The University Ombuds does not advocate for the individual who contacts or visits the office, nor for the institution, and has no stake in the outcome. The University Ombuds role is to consider all sides of an issue, respect the rights and interests of all parties, and promote fairness.
How We Can Help
The Ombuds can:
- Listen to your concern
- Clarify university policy
- Answer questions concerning appropriate channels
- Assist with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
- Informally look into your concern
- Make referrals to individuals who can address your concern
- Help define options that are available to you
- Recommend changes to university policy, rules, or procedures that are outdated, unclear, or ineffective
- Open avenues of communication; facilitate conversations
- Offer a SAFE place to discuss your concerns
The Ombuds cannot:
- Advocate for an individual or group
- Provide legal advice or representation
- Assist with a non-university related concern
- Tell someone what to do
- Participate in any investigative procedures
- Engage in matters that are undergoing formal process
- Accept formal complaints or serve as an office of notice
- Mandate policies, procedures or make binding decisions
Solving Problems on Your Own
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Don’t hesitate to call University offices for help.
- Be prepared. Be informed. Gather your information and documentation ahead of time.
- Remember to be civil; rudeness and accusations rarely help any situation.
- Make sure that you are talking to the right person to answer your question, handle your issue, or make a decision.
- Read all information available to you concerning your issue. Search the University’s website using the search box in the upper right corner; often this will provide you with valuable information.The University makes a conscientious effort to inform the campus community of its deadlines and procedures. You are responsible for knowing University policy and University deadlines.
- Use the Academic calendar to know University deadlines.
- Before you sign contracts such as housing/meal contracts or before you agree to financial aid, read the fine print. Know what you are agreeing to, what your obligations are and when they are due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Office Information
Phone:
(561) 297-3693
Email:
ombuds@fau.edu
Address:
Dr. Angella J. Wint
Office of the Ombuds
Florida Atlantic University
Bldg 03/Wimberly Library, Room 156B
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Hours:
By Appointment Only