University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

The Ombuds Office is an independent resource, which will provide informal, confidential and neutral services to members of the university community in resolving conflicts, complaints, and disputes. Some examples of the type of concerns which may be brought to the Ombuds Office include but are not limited to the following:

• interpersonal conflicts
• disagreement over grades
• working conditions
• disciplinary actions
• sexual harassment
• conflict resolution training
• discrimination issues
• clarification of policies or procedures, and
• concerns regarding reorganization

Communications with the Ombuds Office may begin with a phone call, e-mail, letter, or visit. Walk-ins are welcome and every attempt will be made to accommodate your time constraints. You may also schedule an appointment with the office to assure availability of the Ombudsperson.

The first step in meeting with the Ombudsperson involves actively listening to concerns and issues brought to the office.  Because we do not disclose who has met with us, the Ombuds Office is a safe place to discuss options and resources available to visitors.   The Ombudsperson will not act on any of the information unless given permission to do so. Unless specifically waived, your identity shall remain anonymous. If requested, the Ombudsperson may inquire about a specific policy or procedure, discuss the issue with other individuals directly involved with the problem, assist you in evaluating your options, and offer to mediate if necessary.

The Ombudsperson will continue assisting you for as long as is necessary to resolve the matter. At any time you may end the relationship with the Ombuds Office and no further action will be taken. There are no limitations on the number of times you may meet with the Ombudsperson nor are there any limitations on the number of issues you may raise with this office.

If the Ombudsperson is unable to provide the appropriate assistance, then you will be directed to other resources. If you are uncertain whether the Ombuds Office may be of assistance, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.

• Facilitate - The members of the Ombuds Office are available as a neutral third party to facilitate meetings.
• Listen - The members of the Ombuds Office are available to hear individual complaints and help sort out and identify options for resolving those concerns.
• Advise - The members of the Ombuds Office may identify and advise as to institutional policies, procedures, and resources and help individuals to find the appropriate procedures to remedy their concerns.
• Mediate - The members of the Ombuds Office are trained and experienced mediators who can facilitate discussion and enhance communication between individuals or groups. As mediators, the members of the Ombuds Office do not render a decision, but encourage and assist the participants in reaching their own solutions. The parties may be flexible in creating solutions to their conflicts.
• Recommend - The members of the Ombuds Office may recommend changes to University policies and/or procedures to further fairness and equitable treatment of all university personnel.
• Coach - The members of the Ombuds Office will provide coaching in communication skills and training in conflict resolution.
• Conduct Training - The members of the Ombuds Office can conduct workshops geared toward developing positive relationships, teaching conflict resolution skills, and improving communication techniques within the office setting.