For those with concerns regarding their employment, living, or learning environments with the College, the Ombuds provides opportunity for informal discussion to occur in a confidential space, with an impartial practitioner who is independent of existing formal mechanisms. Individual agency is a primary focus. A visit to the Ombuds does not constitute notice to the College. Consultation with the Ombuds does not set any grievance, complaint, or investigatory process in motion.
The Ombuds serves as a campus thought partner for inquirers and visitors looking to:
- Identify viable options, appropriate resources, relevant policy and any attendant process to consider in seeking resolution or remedy.
- Resolve interpersonal disputes or better understand differences. When all parties voluntarily seek to do so, facilitated dialogue or informal mediation may be appropriate.
- Explore matters of concern with someone positioned to help consider possibilities and potential outcomes.
- Build confidence and capacity in communicating concerns – directly and more effectively – with colleagues, peers, and supervisors.
The Ombuds will:
- Actively listen without judgment
- Answer (and ask) questions
- Aid in clarifying a situation or experience
- Offer alternate perspectives in thinking through a dilemma or interpersonal conflict
- Identify and explain relevant policies and procedures
- Help visitors develop and understand options or next steps in formal channels, as well as their potential benefits and risks
- Share appropriate resources and contact information
- Assist in preparing for a difficult conversation (conflict coaching)
- Facilitate discussion and/or informal mediation
- Apprise leadership of significant trends or developing patterns
- Suggest possible refinement to policies and procedures
The Ombuds will not:
- Advocate for individuals, groups, or other entities, but rather, advocate for procedural fairness and equitable treatment
- Participate or represent any individual in formal processes, such as hearings or grievances
- Conduct formal investigations
- Supersede the authority of other College officials
- Disregard or change policy, procedure, or codified rule
- Disclose, and may not be required to disclose information provided in confidence, except to address an imminent risk of serious harm where there is no other responsible option
- Create or maintain institutional or permanent records
- Serve as an agent of "notice" for the College
Matters brought to the Ombuds may be:
- Interpersonal: workplace incivility, positional tensions, classmate conflict, and roommate disputes
- Rights and process-based: such as initiating or responding to allegations, formulating appeals, and preparing for process
- Equity concerns: experiencing discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, cross-cultural conflicts, or micro-aggressions
- Suspected unethical behavior
Presentations, Trainings, and Workshops.
The Ombuds can be available by arrangement to:
- Educate groups and units on the role of an organizational ombuds and its services to the Grinnell College community
- Facilitate workshops for the development of effective conflict resolution and conflict prevention strategies
- Collaborate on the development of programs tailored to meet specific needs and objectives
- Facilitate dialogue, discussion, or difficult conversations
- Work with individuals or groups to problem solve and enhance communication skills.