Ombuds

The Ombuds may be consulted to address conflicts related to academic and non-academic issues. Common instances of academic issues may include conflicts between students and faculty members, allegations of inappropriate comments or conduct, and questions about academic policies and procedures.

If the visitor is a member of the campus community, there is no wrong reason to visit the Ombuds Office. The Ombuds regularly receives concerns regarding the nine following categories as set by the International Ombuds Association (IOA):

• compensation and benefits;
• evaluative relationships;
• peer relationships;
• career progression and development;
• legal, regulatory, and financial compliance;
• safety, health, and physical environment;
• service and administrative issues; organizational and strategic issues; and
• values, ethics and standards.

The Ombuds reports to the President of Gallaudet University. Upon request, the Ombuds sends reports in various formats to the President and other adminstrators. These reports typically list the concerns received by the office and general demographics of the visitors in a way which carefully maintains the confidentiality and anonymity of its visitors. Annual reports are posted on the Ombuds’ website at https://gallaudet.edu/ombuds/ombuds-reports/ .

The Ombuds will keep your identity confidential unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm. In other words, if a person’s physical safety is in grave danger, confidentiality cannot be maintained. Confidentiality is maintained for all other situations, unless express permission is granted by the visitor. To make a completely anonymous report, the visitor may make a non-traceable online report by using the ombuds’ webpage. Please know that if the reports are completely anonymous, the ombuds may not be able assist comprehensively in addressing these reports. The visitor also has the option to file an anonymous report through the campus whistleblower mechanism.

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. The Ombuds also reviews policies and makes recommendations for change. Moreover, the Ombuds may provide notice to university administrators regarding systemic trends and patterns.

The Ombuds serves all members of the Gallaudet University campus community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, families, applicants, and others as appropriate. In other words, the Ombuds’ services are not limited only to students.

For more information, you may visit the ombuds office’s website at: https://gallaudet.edu/ombuds/. For specific questions and requests for appointments, please contact us here. 

ou may also visit the office at Ely Center, Room 113. Normal business hours are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, but because hours vary to accommodate the schedules of visitors, it would be best to send an email first to schedule an appointment.