How We Can Help: An Overview
The Campus Ombuds helps resolve complaints, provides information and referrals, facilitates communication between individuals and among department staff, designs and facilitates collaborative governance (joint planning, problem-solving and decision making), and by making recommendations for systemic change to the campus community at large.
Resolving Complaints
The Campus Ombuds facilitates and expedites resolution of problems and complaints by:
- Helping parties to a dispute identify and evaluate options for positive action;
- Assisting with concerns that have not been reesolved by other offices;
Information and Referrals
Whether you have a question about a policy, a procedure, or a university regulation, we can help you sort out your options and utilize appropriate resources. When you are not sure when to turn, we help you:
- Research campus programs, policies and procedures
- Refer visitors to UCSC resources and off-campus resources as appropriate
Facilitated Communication
When you are having difficulty communicating with a supervisor, colleague, co-worker or friend/roommate, the Ombuds:
- Facilitates skillful listening and expressing with individuals in conflict
- Supports the development of options that meet separate and mutual interests
- Supports the development of skills and strategies for effective communication (in training workshops and by coaching individuals).
Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
If your unit or organization wishes to engage in an effective collaborative planning process, the Ombuds may:
- Consult with you on your interests and needs
- Design and facilitate a group process that meets your needs and those of your colleagues
Consult and Recommend
The Campus Ombuds consults and may make recommendations to bring about positive changes in policies and procedures that affect the campus community. We:
- Recommend changes in policies, procedures and campus structures
- Help individuals and groups address issues and develop positive strategies for change
If you have a question, concern or complaint, call (831 459 2073); write a letter (Office of the Ombuds, 489 McHenry Library) or set up an appointment by email (lmccann@ucsc.edu).
Your questions and concerns are kept confidential. Likewise, we request that conversations with the Campus Ombuds remain confidential unless you feel it would be important to share what was discussed - in which case, please consult first with the Ombuds. No one needs to know that you visited the Ombuds unless you want them to know. It is generally accepted campus practice that visiting the Ombuds' Office during working hours is permitted.