Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Ombuds Office FAQ page. Whether you are dealing with a workplace conflict, an academic concern, or an uncertain situation on campus, navigating university processes can feel complex. Below, you will find answers to common questions about who we are, how we operate, and what to expect when you connect with us.
General
An Ombuds is an independent, neutral, confidential, and informal consultant. At CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, our role is to help students, faculty, staff, and others connected to CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ navigate university-related concerns, explore options, and resolve conflicts in a safe, off-the-record environment.
Our services are open to all current members of the CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community—including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and administrators, and well as others connected to CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, such as parents/families, prospective students, or community members.
No. All consultations with the Ombuds Office are completely free of charge.
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No. The Ombuds Office operates independently from all other university administrative and academic departments.
No. Ombuds are designated neutral third parties and do not take sides, advocate for individuals, or represent parties in a dispute. Instead, we always advocate for fair, transparent, respectful, and equitable processes.
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Contacting Us
Please call our office directly at 303-492-5077 to schedule a consultation.
Because electronic mail is neither private nor secure, we do not use email to schedule appointments or conduct ombuds business. This policy protects your confidentiality from electronic tracking or disclosure.
We offer flexible consultation options to meet your comfort level:
- In-Person: At our office in the Center for Community (C4C), Suite S484.
- Phone: Via a direct phone appointment.
- Video: Securely via Zoom.
Yes. We do not disclose that you've contacted or met with us, and we do not maintain records with identifying details.
Contact us anyway! Even if your concern ultimately requires a formal office, we can serve as a safe first step to help you figure out where to go and what options are available to you.
Services & What to Expect
During a consultation, an Ombuds will listen actively to your situation, help you think through complex issues, explain relevant university policies, identify your options, and help you prepare for difficult conversations or next steps. You remain in control of what actions you take.
You can bring virtually any university-related concern, including:
- Interpersonal or workplace conflicts
- Academic or grading disputes
- Communication breakdowns with supervisors, advisors, or peers
- Bureaucratic obstacles or unclear policies
- Concerns regarding fairness, equity, or psychological safety
The Ombuds Office does not:
- Conduct formal investigations or make decisions.
- Make or change university administrative/academic decisions.
- Provide legal, psychological, or medical advice.
- Participate in formal grievance processes.
Yes! We can help you outline key points, practice communication strategies, and approach difficult conversations constructively.
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Yes. If all parties voluntarily agree, an Ombuds can facilitate an informal, neutral dialogue to help bring resolution to interpersonal or group disputes.
Confidentiality & Off-the-Record Conversations
Yes. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our office. We do not keep permanent identifying records, and we do not disclose visitor identities or the contents of discussions without explicit permission.
The only exception to our strict confidentiality rule is if an ombuds determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else.
No. Ombuds are not mandatory reporters. Discussing an issue with our office allows you to explore your options without triggering an automatic, formal university investigation.
No. Because our office is strictly off-the-record, communicating with an Ombuds does not constitute legal or formal notice of a claim against the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. If you wish to put the university on formal notice, we can direct you to the appropriate formal offices.
No. By using our services, visitors agree that they will not record conversations or attempt to compel an Ombuds to testify or produce notes in any internal or external administrative, legal, or disciplinary proceeding.