Ombuds Office

An independent, informal and confidential place to address issues of conflict

Our Role

The Ombuds Office at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth provides informal, impartial and confidential dispute resolution services for students, staff, faculty and administration. We attempt to assist individuals in addressing interpersonal misunderstandings, resolve disputes, manage conflicts and educate individuals in more productive ways of communicating. The purpose of the Ombuds Office is to insure that every voice at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth can be heard, without fear of loss of privacy, retribution, retaliation, and that problems can receive impartial attention. We attempt to help individuals resolve their concerns fairly, and if possible, informally. The Ombuds Office operates independently as a supplement to existing administrative or formal grievance procedures and has no formal decision-making authority. We listen to people, offer information about policies and procedures and help individuals examine options for concerns. We do not act as advocates for either side in a dispute. We operate confidentially, and do not disclose information about individuals, whom they may or may not have seen in the office, except in informal complaint processes when they have given permission to do so by the visitor (and only to those who have a need to know). In some cases, even if we have permission, we do not acknowledge this information. The only instance where an Ombuds will breach confidentiality is in the unusual situation of imminent risk of serious harm where there appear to be no other responsible options. We report administratively to the Chancellor.