Ombuds Office of Princeton University

McCosh Courtyard

Welcome to the Ombuds Office

Whether you are a student, member of the faculty, or staff, the Ombuds Office offers a confidential place to discuss academic concerns, administrative issues, workplace issues, explanation and interpretation of policies and procedures, and many other issues and concerns. You can speak freely to us because the University Ombuds Office offers a place where you can talk with a confidential, impartial resource about a complaint, conflict or problem and we are not part of any formal University process. We don’t take sides in disputes and operate independently of the University. Contact us at any point along the way and together we will define the problem, explore options, outline strategies, review policies, inform about applicable resources, and manage expectations.

The Ombuds Office helps people address conflicts that can be expected in a changing community while upholding the values of respect, integrity, diversity and freedom from bias or harassment. While keeping strict confidentiality, the Ombuds Office also provides University officials with general information about trends and emerging needs to help the University proactively improve its policies and practices.

Standards of Practice

The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource. We adhere to and uphold Ombuds Standards of Practice established by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA).

Confidential

The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

Impartial/Independent

The Ombuds Office, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The Ombuds Office does not engage in any situation that could create a conflict of interest. The Ombuds Office is independent structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.

Informal

The Ombuds is an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his or her attention.

The Ombuds Office promises that we will not reveal to anyone who has contacted our office or why. At the discretion of the Ombuds Office and only with the permission of the visitor will the Ombuds Office discuss the matters brought forward with anyone else.

The only exception to this rule is in cases that involve an imminent risk of serious harm.

Speaking to the Ombuds Office about a concern does not constitute legal "notice" to Princeton University. Anyone wishing to put the institution on notice may contact a supervisor or administrator, or invoke formal grievance procedures. The Ombuds Office can provide referral information about whom to contact for anyone seeking to use administrative or formal grievance options.

Conflict Management Education

Campus Resources