The ombuds office serves all students in the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, including those enrolled in the M.D., MPAS, Ph.D., and GCP programs. The ombuds provides a confidential, independent, and informal space to discuss concerns, clarify goals, and explore options for managing or resolving conflicts.
The office maintains strict confidentiality, with limited exceptions in situations involving a risk of serious harm or when required by university policy or applicable law. The ombuds promotes fairness in all processes affecting students but does not advocate for any individual party in a dispute and does not hold formal decision-making authority.
Responsibilities of the ombuds
Typical concerns brought to the ombuds office include issues related to the work/learning environment and performance, fear of retaliation, and professional misconduct. Any issue may be brought the ombuds.
- Providing a neutral safe and confidential environment to talk.
- Listening to concerns and complaints, and discussing appropriate options.
- Mediating conflicts and engaging in unbiased diplomacy.
- Providing information and referring students to appropriate resources.
- The ombuds office will not participate in existing academic processes or formal grievance processes. Our aim is to resolve issues before formal action is pursued.
*Note: The IOA Code of Ethics is followed as outlined at www.ombudsassociation.org
The ombuds office seeks to enhance the ability of all students to deal more effectively with challenging situations on their own. If assistance is needed beyond individual coaching, further information can be gathered on behalf of the student, and referrals can be made to those with expertise in a specific area or proper authorities at the school. When appropriate, the ombuds can provide shuttle diplomacy or mediation services to help find a satisfactory solution. The medical student seeking assistance decides which course of action, if any, is taken and that action is tailored to fit the situation presented.
Notice to the University
The ombuds office may assist in the informal resolution of concerns regarding a variety of issues. Talking to the ombuds does not constitute notice to the University, since the purpose of the ombuds office is to provide medical students with a confidential forum where different options may be considered. The ombuds can provide a medical student with information about how a complaint may be made to the university.