Office of the University Ombuds

• The Ombudsperson will listen to you
• The Ombudsperson will work with you to determine what your interests and goals are, and will help you identify options and strategies to help resolve your concern or conflict

• Facilitate communication with other parties
• Help obtain additional information
• Provide conflict resolution coaching
• Coordinate with other individuals or university departments to explain a policy or procedure, or to resolve an issue
• Work directly with a department or campus resource to help issues or a concern
• Provide mediation or facilitation services
• Make referrals to campus resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Adaptive Services, Academic Advising or the Center for Academic Achievement
• Suggest negotiation strategies to resolve conflict and prevent disputes

You decide how you want your concern handled.  The Ombuds may suggest options; but it is up to you to decide how to proceed.  You may give the Ombuds permission to share information, or to discuss a concern with another individual or department on campus to try and resolve your concern.

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Independence

The Ombuds Office is independent, and reports to the President of Florida Gulf Coast University.  The Ombuds has access to senior administrators in order to convey systemic issues causing conflict on campus.  The Ombuds Office does not keep records on behalf of the University.  Anonymous aggregate statistical data may be maintained and presented in annual reports. 

Confidentiality

The identity of visitors, and the substance of concerns raised, will be kept confidential except with the consent of the visitor with the following exceptions:

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Confidentiality cannot be maintained by the Ombuds Office if there is an imminent risk of serious harm, suspected child abuse or neglect, or as otherwise required by law or Florida Gulf Coast University policy.  The Ombuds will review exceptions to confidentiality with visitors. 

Florida has a very broad public records law.  As a result, any written communication created or received by Florida Gulf Coast University employees is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request; unless otherwise exempt.  Please do not include confidential information in emails to the Office.  In addition, under Florida Law, email addresses are public records.  If you do not want your email address released in response to a public record request, do not send emails to the Office. 

Informality

The Ombudsperson attempts to resolve issues on an informal basis.  Processes frequently used by the Ombuds include communication or conflict coaching, mediation, and facilitation.  The Ombuds does not participate in formal adjudicative hearings. 

Impartiality

The Ombudsperson is an advocate for fairness; rather than for a particular individual or group.  The Ombuds strives to assist parties to resolve concerns using interest based negotiation strategies.

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