- Confidential - the Ombudsperson will not identify anyone contacting the office, except where required by law or where consent is given. The Ombuds Office does not keep written records.
- Informal - the Ombuds Office operates outside the formal review appeal, or grievance process. The Ombuds cannot participate in any formal process, but is able to provide both formal and informal options to visitors.
- Neutral - the Ombudsperson is impartial and does not take sides when hearing a problem or concern. The Ombudsperson is not a decision-maker and will not adjudicate, testify, or participate in any formal process. The Ombuds advocates for fair process.
- Independent - the Ombuds Office is a separate and distinct department. The Office is not an place to formally report incidents, as visiting the office does not begin any formal process. Although the Ombudsperson does report to the Executive Vice Chancellor, such reports are solely statistical in nature.
The University of Colorado Ombuds Office adheres to the Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics set forth by the International Ombudsman Association. Additionally, all members of the Ombuds Office are certified practitioners of the Ombudsman profession. To find out more about our certification and professional standards, please visit our professional organization at http://www.ombudsassociation.org/