What to Expect

When you contact the office, you can expect a respectful, confidential, and informal conversation focused on understanding your concerns, considering different perspectives, and exploring options available to you.

During Your Initial Conversation

The Ombudsperson can work with you to:

• Clarify your concerns and identify the issues that are most important to you
• Identify relevant resources, policies, and processes
• Explore possible options and approaches
• Prepare for difficult or sensitive conversations
• Consider the potential implications of different options
• Identify practical next steps and develop a strategy for moving forward

You Remain in Control

You decide how you would like to move forward.  The Ombudsperson can help you understand your concerns, and consider available options and resources, and think through possible next steps. The decisions about how to proceed remain yours.

Who Can Use the Office?

The Office of the Ombudsperson is available to members of the Miller School of Medicine community, including students, faculty, and staff.

What The Ombudsperson Does Not Do: Understanding the Ombuds Role

As a confidential, impartial, and informal resource, the Ombudsperson does not:

• Make decisions for you
• Conduct formal investigations
• Determine fault or wrongdoing
• Advocate for one individual or side in a matter
• Make or change University decisions, policies, or outcomes
• Replace formal reporting, grievance, compliance, or other established University processes