How can the Ombuds help you?

The Ombuds provides you with a confidential, informal, neutral and independent place to:

• Develop options
• Obtain referrals
• Clarify University policies and procedures
• Identify tools to achieve academic, professional, and personal success

All conversations are off the record.

During your visit with the Ombuds, you will:

• Focus on the issues, not people or personalities
• Work collaboratively to address problems
• Identify and discuss creative solutions and resources
• Save or repair important relationships during conflict
• Redirect your attention to your work and studies

The Fairness Triangle

The Fairness Triangle portrays the three dimensions of fairness to be considered in an individual’s experience: Relational, Procedural and Substantive. It can be a helpful tool to consider in the decision-making process.

Relational Fairness addresses how one is treated.

• Being approachable;
• Listening actively;
• Respecting confidentiality;
• Being honest and forthright;
• Making information clear and easily available;
• Providing accessible problem-solving options;
• Being clear about what you can and cannot do; and
• Offering an apology if a mistake is made.

Substantive Fairness addresses the decision itself.

• Having the appropriate authority to make the decision itself;
• Ensuring that decisions are made on relevant information;
• Ensuring that decisions are not unjust, oppressive or discriminatory;
• Ensuring that decisions are not wrong in fact or law; and
• Ensuring that decisions are reasonable.

Procedural Fairness addresses processes used in making the decision.

• Providing notice that a decision is to be made along with sufficient information for an affected person to know what is required and what is at stake;
• Providing an appropriate forum for an affected person to present their views and to be heard;
• Being impartial and unbiased;
• Making a decision in a reasonable time; and
• Providing clear and appropriate reasons for a decision.

The Fairness Triangle was initially developed by Ombudsman Saskatchewan and adapted by the University of Victoria Ombudsperson. It is meant to be a tool to guide decision-making and is not university policy. It is also important to note that fairness does not necessarily equate to an outcome in your favor.

*The above information is from https://ombud.msu.edu/fairness-triangle

Making an Appointment

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged, so the Ombuds can reserve enough time for you. To make an appointment, please contact us or schedule a meeting with Elizabeth Stone, University Ombuds.

The Ombuds Office operates according to the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.