Frequently Asked Questions
What does the faculty ombudsperson do?
- Listen and discuss ISU faculty questions, concerns, and complaints
- Help evaluate various options to address concerns
- Answer questions or help find others who can
- Help explain and clarify University policies and procedures
- Facilitate communication between people
- Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
- Advise individuals about formal and administrative options
- Mediate disputes to seek mutually acceptable resolution of problems
- Make appropriate referrals when informal options don't work
- Point out patterns of problems/complaints to administrators
What does the faculty ombudsperson not do?
- Deal with ISU student or staff issues/concerns
- Participate in formal grievance processes
- Make administrative decisions for ISU administrators
- Determine "guilt" or "innocence" of those accused of wrong-doing
- Assign sanctions to individuals
When should I go to the Faculty Ombuds office?
- When you feel you have been treated unfairly
- When you have a situation requiring negotiation or help in facilitating
communication
- When you are unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply in
your situation
- When you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly
or erroneously
- When you have a complaint about an office, a service, or a decision at
ISU
- When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue
- When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a problem
How can the faculty ombudsperson help me?
- By carefully listening and helping to analyze the situation
- By researching and explaining relevant university policies, procedures,
and problem-solving channels
- By helping you to identify and evaluate options
- By mediating disputes
- By initiating non-adversarial, problem-solving discussions with other involved
parties (only with your permission)
- By making referrals to other campus and community resources
- By striving to help faculty receive fair and equitable
treatment within the University system
Can the Faculty Ombuds Office provide legal advice?
- No. The Faculty Ombuds Office can help you understand your rights within the University
but does not provide legal advice.
Are there disputes that the Faculty Ombuds Office does not address?
- The Faculty Ombuds Office does not address disputes between members of the campus
community and private individuals, companies, or organizations not affiliated
with Idaho State University.
- The Facutly Ombuds Office does not
handle formal grievances or legal issues of any kind. However, you may use the Faculty
Ombuds Office either before or after using a formal grievance procedure.
What might I gain by coming to the Faculty Ombuds Office?
- Insight into a complicated situation
- A clearer perspective on your issue or concern
- Enhanced ability to deal effectively with a problem
- Identification and clarification of options
- Communication strategies to resolve interpersonal issues
|
Last Modified: 04/08/08 at 03:40:35 PM
