Staff Concerns

Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving

The Office of the University Ombuds works with students, faculty and staff to assist in problem solving. The Ombuds will listen to your concern and will work with you to understand your interests and goals.  The Ombuds will explain policies and procedures, help define options, and work with you and others to create strategies to resolve problems. If another office is better suited to address or resolve the concern, we will advise you of those options. The Ombuds handles conflicts on a case-by case basis, with different strategies used depending on the issues and individuals involved.

Staff may raise concerns and complaints with the Ombuds on a confidential basis. At FGCU, confidentiality includes all information with the only exceptions where there appears to be imminent risk of harm, by law, and FGCU policy. The Ombuds Office cannot receive formal notice of concerns, but we can provide you with the information on where to file a formal complaint. The Ombuds will work with visitors to explain policies and procedures, define options, and help create strategies to resolve problems. The Ombuds offers feedback on systemic problems and provides feedback and requests for policy consideration to the President, administrators, faculty and staff. The Ombuds may use an array of informal strategies to identify options and attempt to resolve concerns or complaints. 

Preparing for a Call or Visit

You do not have to prepare anything before speaking with an ombuds, but it might be beneficial to organize your thoughts – whether by writing them down or in another way – to effectively communicate your concerns.

Here are some questions that could guide your thinking:

  • What is the specific situation you wish to address or improve?
  • Who else is affected by this situation?
  • What are your desired outcomes and concerns?
  • Have you taken any steps to handle this situation already?
  • What obstacles, whether internal or external, are hindering you from addressing this situation?
  • Who can access the Ombuds Office?

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  • What kinds of issues may I share with the Ombuds?

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  • What we do?

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  • The Ombuds Guiding Principles

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  • When we can help?

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  • Benefits

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  • Before you visit

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Office of University Ombuds

Dr. Daniel Hoover
University Ombuds
Edwards Hall Room 211
ombuds@fgcu.edu

Florida has a very broad public records law. Do not include confidential information in your email.

(239) 590-7405