Ombuds FAQs

Who can access the PC Faculty Ombuds resource?
Any member of the PC faculty, regardless of title, position, department, or status.

What issues or concerns can I bring to the PC Faculty Ombuds?
Faculty may bring any issue or concern to discuss with the Ombuds.

When should I contact the Ombuds?
Anytime. You may speak to the Ombuds before, during, or after formal action is taken – or outside of any formal processes whatsoever. Individuals often find it helpful to explore positions, options, and strategies with the Ombuds confidentially before taking more formal steps. You do not need to exhaust other resources before approaching the Ombuds.

How long do meetings last?
The Ombuds schedules visitor meetings in one-hour slots but can plan ahead for longer sessions whenever needed.

I am aware that the Ombuds issues an annual report; will she share information about me if I visit her?
Absolutely not. The Ombuds will report annually to the Office of the President, via the provost, in one way only – with anonymized and aggregated data. The annual report does not mention names, departments, or other identifying characteristics. The goal of the reporting is to bring attention to trends or patterns of behavior across campus that may be impacting productivity or morale.

What happens to records about my visit?
As a matter of policy, the Ombuds takes few if any notes during visitor interactions. Any notes that are taken as memory aids are shredded when the matter is resolved or within a short period of inactivity. The Ombuds does not retain any information that would identify the individuals who availed themselves of the office.

What makes the Ombuds different from other resources at PC?
The Ombuds office is situated outside of the management structure at PC, and is not operationally connected to any other office. This allows the office to function independently and impartially. The office provides a strict promise of confidentiality, which allows you to have off-the-record conversations about highly sensitive concerns.