Our Mission
The Ombuds Office provides a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal resource for all Emerson faculty. The Ombuds helps faculty explore options, clarify issues, and resolve concerns in a respectful and constructive way, and is available to listen, provide information, and help identify strategies for addressing conflicts or misunderstandings — whether interpersonal, academic, or workplace-related.
Our Role
The Ombuds:
- Offers a safe, confidential space to discuss concerns.
- Provides neutral and impartial guidance.
- Helps visitors identify and evaluate options for resolution.
- Facilitates communication and, when appropriate, informal mediation.
- Identifies emerging trends and systemic issues to share (without identifying details) with College leadership.
The Ombuds does not make or change policies, participate in formal grievance or disciplinary processes, or act as an advocate for any individual or for the College.
Standards of Practice
The Ombuds Office follows the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice, which emphasize:
- Independence
- Neutrality and Impartiality
- Confidentiality
- Informality
These principles ensure that members of the College community can safely and confidently seek assistance in navigating concerns and conflicts.
Independence
While the Ombuds Office is administratively housed within the Office of the Provost, it operates independently of all College offices and management structures. Consistent with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice, the Ombuds has sole discretion over whether and how to address concerns raised, maintains confidentiality to the fullest extent permitted by law, and does not serve as an agent of notice for the College. Administrative placement within the Provost’s Office exists solely to facilitate logistical support and does not imply oversight or control.
Neutrality and Impartiality
The Ombuds is a neutral party who does not take sides or advocate for any person or group. Instead, the Ombuds promotes fair processes and equitable outcomes.
Confidentiality
All conversations with the Ombuds are confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Ombuds will not share information without permission, except where there is an imminent risk of serious harm or as otherwise required by law. The Ombuds Office does not keep formal records on behalf of the College.
Informality
The Ombuds operates outside of formal channels. Speaking with the Ombuds does not initiate a formal complaint or investigation. Visitors retain the right to pursue formal processes at any time.