Ombuds take the time to listen, hear, and understand the challenges you’re facing. As a thought partner, they will work to help understand what is going on and why, explore underlying interests, and think through a range of possible options, outcomes, and pathways for improvement.
They will work to help empower you to address the issues directly. However, if that approach proves challenging, ombuds can, with permission, raise issues broadly (as an impartial third party) and in a way that protects your identity. Additionally, ombuds identify emerging patterns and systemic issues within the institution, sharing broad insights to support organizational learning and positive institutional change.
Here are some common reasons why WashU community members visit the ombuds:
- Interpersonal disputes and conflicts
- Administrative roadblocks and bureaucratic challenges
- Washington University policies and procedures
- Ethical dilemmas
- Abrasive conduct, incivility, or problematic behavior
- Unfair treatment
- Harassment or discrimination
- Health and safety concerns
- Threats or retaliation
- Career progression and development
- Performance appraisals
- Compensation, benefits, and retirement matters
- Work-life balance
- Career progression and development
- Research-related matters (including authorship and proprietorship)
- Funding concerns
- Working conditions
- Scientific integrity
- Advising relationships
- Academic progress