FAQs

An ombuds, also known as an ombudsperson or ombudsman, is a designated neutral who aids in the informal, confidential resolution of problems.  The University Staff Ombuds (USO) helps individuals look beneath the surface of an issue, often by using methods such as coaching, shuttle diplomacy, informal mediation, and active listening.

The ombuds helps individuals and groups navigate the conflicts and issues they encounter in the workplace. Whether this involves helping people identify and access appropriate resources, understand relevant policies and procedures, or think through options, the ombuds provides a confidential space for problem-solving. A large part of an ombuds’ job is to actively listen to individuals to ensure they feel heard and respected. The University Staff Ombuds supports individuals in their development of communication and conflict-resolution skills, works with groups to facilitate dialogue, and helps teams to address issues in their work environment.

The University Staff Ombuds provides a range of services to visitors.

The Office of the University Staff Ombuds is a resource available to all AAP and staff at Georgetown University, across all campuses. The Office of the University Staff Ombuds is available to help you even if the conflict or issue that you are experiencing pertains to individuals who are not AAP or staff.

You can bring any kind of workplace-related concern to the Office of the University Staff Ombuds. Some common concerns brought to the ombuds include interpersonal conflicts within teams, communication challenges between employees, concerns about treatment and fairness in the workplace, and questions about University policies and procedures. The issues that you bring to the ombuds can be small or large, ongoing or new. If the issue you are experiencing is not something the Office of the University Staff Ombuds can address, the ombuds can refer you to the appropriate resources.

Your conversations with the ombuds are completely confidential. Nothing you share with the ombuds will be disclosed to anyone outside of the ombuds office without your explicit permission. Even the fact that you scheduled a meeting with the ombuds is kept confidential.

Meeting with University Staff Ombuds is entirely voluntary. Your first meeting with the ombuds is a confidential conversation in which the ombuds will focus on listening to and understanding your concerns. You are not required to have a clear plan or outcome in mind before you meet with the ombuds. The ombuds will ask you questions to clarify the situation, help you to explore your options, and identify resources or policies that are relevant to your situation. The ombuds will never make decisions for you, but will support you in thinking through your next steps.

The ombuds maintains strict confidentiality, as is outlined by the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice and the Office of the University Staff Ombuds Charter, except when there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others.

No. The Office of the University Staff Ombuds is independent of any other office within Georgetown, and is not an office of notice.  It is informal and unrelated to any formal problem resolution process, such as EEO, the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance, or the grievance process.  Meeting with the ombuds does not initiate an investigation or constitute a formal complaint against the University.

While you may see the ombuds visiting the offices of high-level decision-makers, these visits are often for coordination, outreach, or, with the visitor’s express permission, to address an issue a visitor raised with the ombuds. The ombuds may also speak with a leader about systemic concerns in general, discussing problematic patterns without revealing identifying details that could reveal the individuals involved.  Conversations with the ombuds remain confidential, and our presence in these spaces does not affect our confidentiality or independence.