If you find yourself asking any of the following questions, the Ombuds office is here to help:
- Can they do that?
- Who do I talk to?
- I’m lost in the bureaucracy.
- Am I misreading the situation?
- What are my options?
Responses vary for our unique visitors’ individual situation and informed consent, so we may:
- Listen, which may be all you want
- Offer information about Marshall University policies and procedures
- Discuss concerns and clarify issues
- Help identify and evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
- Offer coaching, for example, to prepare for a difficult conversation
- Facilitate communication
- Work for collaborative agreements through mediation
- Track perceived issues and trends
- Make recommendations for institutional improvements
Yes, you are welcome to email the Ombuds Office, but please note that email communications are not considered confidential and are subject to records requests.
We will try our best to assist you, but there are some things we do not do:
- Make decisions or findings of fact
- Establish, change, or set aside policies
- Offer legal advice
- Offer psychological counseling
- Participate in grievances or other formal processes
- Serve as an agent of notice for the University
- Serve as an advocate for any individual, department or agenda