Who can us the services of the Ombuds Office?
All members of our University community (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents).
What is the University Ombuds?
The University Ombuds provides a safe and confidential place for you to seek information,
discuss concerns and conflicts, explore options, and identify possible resources.
Our goal is to help you develop strategies for dealing with challenging situations
and find answers to questions about available programs and resources.
Additionally, the services provided by the Ombuds are designed to complement rather
than replace other services such as formal processes. We are an informal and confidential
resource here to help identify available options.
What does the term "confidential" mean?
All conversations with the Ombuds are confidential, unless authorized by the complainant,
University policy, or otherwise required by applicable law, including without limitation,
Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. The Ombuds does not keep records containing identifying information on behalf of the
organization. The Ombuds will not testify in any formal judicial or administrative hearing about
concerns brought to their attention. If there appears to be imminent threat of serious harm, confidentiality will be broken.
What resources could be explored prior to contacting the Ombuds?
It would be suggested to speak with the other individual(s) to attempt to resolve
the issue. If you are unable to resolve the issue directly it is suggested to advance
to the next level above (department chair, director, dean, vice president). A good
idea to consult any handbooks that may be beneficial based on your status as a student,
faculty, or staff member. The Ombuds is an entirely voluntary service and you are
never required to contact the ombuds before seeking the assistance of other programs.
What procedures or approaches does the ombuds use to provide help?
To assist a visitor, the ombuds employs a wide variety of informal approaches, including
but not limited to:
-
- Listening
- Coaching
- Informal consulting
- Facilitated dialogue
- Informal mediation
- Shuttle diplomacy
- Suggesting referrals to existing services
Is the ombuds a "mandatory reporter" for Title IX or prohibited discrimination?
The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource except: (1) the visitor requests disclosure
and the Ombuds determines it to be an appropriate option; or (2) the Ombuds asks for
and receives permission for disclosure; or (3) the Ombuds determines that there is
an imminent risk to health, safety, or serious harm to people or property. If you
want to put something on the record or obligate the University to respond in some
way, you may pursue alternative avenues. We can work with you to figure out what
those alternative avenues might be, given the situation. Additionally, imminent risk
of serious harm to the visitor or to others will be disclosed where expressly required.
Does the ombuds maintain records?
The ombuds do not maintain records of individual visits or any information about the
individual visitor that can identify the person or the particular issue or concern.
We may keep short-term working notes as necessary to keep track of commitments and
follow-up activities. The ombuds does keep limited non-identifiable information so
we can track general trends and work with University governance and administration
to identify opportunities for systemic improvements.
FAQ's - International Ombuds Association (IOA)
Other Useful Links and Information:
- Academic Catalog
- Bright Futures Appeal
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
- CAPS crisis line: 239-745-EARS (3277) - May be used outside normal business hours (evening, weekends, and holidays).
- Togetherall: Online peer-to-peer platform, which offers a safe space for students to connect
with others experiencing similar feelings. Its free for students and they can use
it at their convenience.
- If you feel like you may be in danger of hurting yourself or others, call 911 or go
to the nearest hospital.
- Need immediate help for a Mental Health Emergency?
- Dial 988 or Text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Hotline- provides 24/7 free and confidential
support for people in distress.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24/7, information service for individuals and family members
facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- Employee Assistance Program (Employees/Dependents)
- Ethics & Compliance
- Faculty Resources (Handbooks, Resources, Collective Bargaining, etc.)
- Fee Adjustment
- Grade Appeal
- Housing Appeals: Contact Housing & Residence Life: 239-590-1700
- Institutional Equity & Compliance (Title IX, Discrimination & Harassment, etc.)
- Parking Citation Appeals
- Satisfactory Academic Process Appeal (SAP)
- Student Conduct (Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity, etc.)
- Student Care Services (Student of Concern)
- Student Concerns and Complaints
- Victim Advocate