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The Ombuds can
- Listen, which may be all you want
- Offer information about Northeastern University policies and procedures
- Discuss your concerns and clarify the issues
- Help identify and evaluate a range of options for solving the problem
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
- Offer coaching, for example , to prepare you for a difficult conversation
- Help you to write a letter
- Facilitate communication directly by arranging a meeting where she will help both parties to resolve the dispute constructively
- Facilitate communication indirectly through shuttle diplomacy
What the Ombuds Does NOT Do
- Offer legal advice
- Participate in grievances of other formal processes
- Serve as an advocate for an individual
- Make, change, or set aside policies
- Serve as an agent of notice to the university
- Conduct formal mediation
- Decide disputes
Topics you May Want to Discuss:
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Unprofessional conduct
- Bureaucratic runarounds
- Conflicts of interest
- Appropriate ways to frame and discuss an issue
- Incivility or rudeness
- Untangling a complicated situation
- Ways to make or seek an apology
- Academic freedom
- Balancing work and family
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Ethical dilemmas
- Disciplinary actions
- Health and safety concerns
- Formal processes for resolving issues
- Violations of university policy
- Dealing with a difficult boss or colleague
The Ombuds can
- Listen, which may be all you want
- Offer information about Northeastern University policies and procedures
- Discuss your concerns and clarify the issues
- Help identify and evaluate a range of options for solving the problem
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
- Offer coaching, for example , to prepare you for a difficult conversation
- Help you to write a letter
- Facilitate communication directly by arranging a meeting where she will help both parties to resolve the dispute constructively
- Facilitate communication indirectly through shuttle diplomacy
What the Ombuds Does NOT Do
- Offer legal advice
- Participate in grievances of other formal processes
- Serve as an advocate for an individual
- Make, change, or set aside policies
- Serve as an agent of notice to the university
- Conduct formal mediation
- Decide disputes
Topics you May Want to Discuss:
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Unprofessional conduct
- Bureaucratic runarounds
- Conflicts of interest
- Appropriate ways to frame and discuss an issue
- Incivility or rudeness
- Untangling a complicated situation
- Ways to make or seek an apology
- Academic freedom
- Balancing work and family
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Ethical dilemmas
- Disciplinary actions
- Health and safety concerns
- Formal processes for resolving issues
- Violations of university policy
- Dealing with a difficult boss or colleague
