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The University of Texas at Austin Staff Ombuds Office is a place where all staff members are welcome to come in and talk in confidence about any concern. We help support collaborative conflict resolution. This office assists staff with any work related difficulty including interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings. We help individuals identify options for fair and equitable outcomes.
Why come to us?
Staff members come to us for many reasons. Some just don’t know where else to go. Some are reluctant to use formal channels. And some have tried other ways but have not found what they needed. No issue is too small or too big. If you are unsure if we can help, please contact us.
A few of the topics you can discuss with us
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Harassment or discrimination
- Untangling complicated situations
- Questions about policy
- Workplace disputes
- Bureaucratic runarounds
- Ethical dilemmas
- Cultural misunderstanding
- Conflicts of interest
- Disciplinary actions
- Appropriate ways to frame and discuss issues
- Incivility
- Health and safety concerns
- Unprofessional conduct
- Ways to make or seek an apology
- Threats or retaliation
What we do
Our responses are tailored to the visitor’s particular situation and needs. We may:
- Listen
- Offer information about university policies and procedures
- Discuss your concerns and clarify issues
- Help identify a range of options for solving problems
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
- Offer coaching to help you prepare for a difficult conversation
- Facilitate communication
- Track perceived issues and trends
- Make recommendations for institutional improvements
What we do not do
- Make decisions or findings of fact
- Establish, change or override 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 person
Our principles
Confidential - Confidentiality helps create a safe place for visitors to voice concerns, evaluate issues, and identify options. Confidentiality is essential to the Ombuds function. The Ombuds will not disclose the name of any individual who has visited the office or issues that were discussed with anyone unless permission to do so has been given by the individual. The only exception to the promise of confidentiality is when the Ombuds believes disclosure is necessary to address imminent risk of serious harm to one’s self or others.
Neutrality - The Ombuds provides impartial and objective assessments of any concern brought to the office. As a neutral third party, the Ombuds is an advocate for equity, fair process, and the fair administration of process, but does not take sides on behalf of any individual or cause. We have no decision making authority and cannot override the decisions of others.
Informality - All conversations with the Ombuds are considered informal and off-the-record. The Ombuds maintains no records (other than statistical data) and does not participate in formal grievances or complaints. Formal investigations and grievances are the purview of other offices. Use of the office is strictly voluntary. Individuals should not be sanctioned for using, or not using, the Ombuds.
Independence - The Ombuds exercises autonomy regarding responsibilities. The office is independent and is situated outside the University’s normal administrative structure to better ensure impartiality. The Ombuds neither compels other offices to take specific action nor receives compulsory orders from other offices about how to approach a particular issue. The Ombuds reports directly to the president of the University.
These principles are in adherence to the International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Those who use our office agree to respect these principles.
Let's Talk - We will arrange a confidential meeting at a time and a place convenient for you. It is helpful if you make an appointment. We believe we can be most effective if we meet with you face-to-face, but we can work with you over the phone. We generally do not work through e-mail communication and discourage you from e-mailing any confidential information.
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Our location and contact information
The University of Texas at Austin
Walter Webb Hall, Room 401
405 W. 25th Street
At the corner of 25th and Guadalupe streets
Phone: 512-232-8010
E-mail: staffombuds@austin.utexas.edu
Se habla Español.
Please remember that e-mail is not a confidential form of communication. We discourage its use.
