FAQ
- What is an Ombuds?
The Ombuds Office is a confidential, informal, independent and neutral place to discuss concerns, resolve disputes, manage conflicts and increase skills regarding communication, negotiation and problem-solving.
- What does the Ombuds do?
The Ombuds helps resolve conflicts and concerns through one-on-one interactions with a visitor. The Ombuds may serve as an intermediary, mediator, facilitator or simply as a listener.
- What doesn’t the Ombuds do?
The Ombuds does not make decisions, investigate or participate in any formal processes at the College. The Ombuds is neutral and therefore does not serve as an advocate for any individual or entity. The Ombuds do not provide legal counsel or testify in formal proceedings.
- What authority does the Ombuds have?
The Ombuds may provide only informal assistance, and cannot compel disciplinary actions or involuntary meetings. The Ombuds may conduct voluntary mediation and facilitation, confidential meetings, and conflict management training.
- To whom does the Ombuds report, and what is reported?
The Ombuds compiles a yearly report containing statistical information only that is available to all on the main Ombuds Services website.
- Can anyone require me to go to the Ombuds?
It is not uncommon for others to suggest that an individual use the Ombuds as a resource for resolving conflict. However, visiting the Ombuds is never mandatory; it will always be up to you whether or not you want to go.
- I’ve got a situation that I think somebody at the College needs to know about. Can I rely on the Ombuds to handle it without my getting involved?
You are welcome to discuss any type of concern with the Ombuds, and they will help you identify your options. Please keep in mind that the Ombuds do not conduct investigations or issue decisions. The discussions that take place in the Ombuds remain confidential, so telling the Ombuds about a situation does not put the College on notice. The Ombuds can help you figure out how to accomplish your desired outcome.
- How is the Ombuds different from other entities at South Texas College?
The Ombuds is an informal, neutral resource, separate from formal South Texas College processes, is strictly confidential, is off the record, and is independent in structure and function from other entities.
Because the Ombuds is informal and off the record, visitors have significant influence over the process and can request the level of services they’re interested in, whether that’s asking the Ombuds to listen, to provide feedback, to help explore options or to become involved in mediating a dispute.
- Who can use the office?
The Ombuds is available for all South Texas College students at all campus locations. This includes all traditional, non-traditional, online, continuing education and dual enrollment students, as well as those seeking to enroll in classes.
- Does using the Ombuds prevent me from filing a complaint, an appeal, or raising a concern?
No. Use of the Ombuds does not prevent you from accessing any other resources at South Texas College.
- When should you contact the Ombuds?
Reach out to the Ombuds as a first step, a last resort or at any point during your time at South Texas College. You may also reach out anytime you would like to discuss something confidentially and aren’t sure where to go.
- Are there any situations that the Ombuds can’t help with?
People are welcome to call the Ombuds with any concern related to their time at South Texas College. If an issue is outside of what the Ombuds may do, we may offer a referral to other resources to address your concern.
- Does the Ombuds keep records?
No. Permanent records kept by the Ombuds include only de-identified statistical information maintained for data reporting purposes.
- Is the Ombuds my advocate?
No. The Ombuds advocates for a fair and equitable process and does not advocate on behalf of any particular individual or entity.
- Are interactions with the Ombuds confidential?
Yes. The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so, except in situations where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
- Can I consult with an Ombuds via email?
You can, however, we strongly advise against it, other than for scheduling an appointment. Email and other electronic communications are never strictly confidential. It creates an electronic record and may compromise the confidentiality of our interactions with you.
- Do I need an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is not required, but it is recommended to ensure the availability of the ombuds.
- What materials should I bring?
You do not need to bring anything with you. However, if there are records or communications that you believe would be helpful to the Ombuds in understanding and assisting with your concerns, you may bring them with you to your meeting.
- What if I don’t like what the Ombuds tell me?
You can simply ignore it. The Ombuds can provide you with information and options, but you are the one who is responsible for deciding what you want to do. Remember, doing nothing is always an option.
- Do I have to speak to the Ombuds before I can file a complaint or appeal?
No.
