To the extent permitted by law, The UConn Ombuds Office operates under the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombuds Association and provides services based on the following guiding principles:
Independence
The Ombuds Office is independent of the university administration in structure, function, and appearance. The University Ombuds reports to the Office of the President and for UConn Health, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs (CEO/EVPHA) for budgetary and administrative purposes only and has access to senior administrators in order to convey perceived issues and trends on campus. The Ombuds does not keep formal records for the University and will only furnish anonymous aggregate statistical data in published annual reports.
Confidentiality
The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence to the extent permitted by law. Typically, the Ombuds will not confirm communicating with any individual who has sought the services of the Ombuds Office or disclose any confidential information shared with the Ombuds Office without that individual’s express permission. The Ombuds may, however, disclose confidential information without consent when such disclosure is required by law or, in the judgment of the Ombuds, there is an imminent risk of serious harm.
Informality
The Ombuds does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure or investigations, issue findings, or make or overturn administrative decisions. Contact with the Ombuds Office is totally voluntary and not a required step in any UConn or UConn Health grievance process or procedure.
Neutrality
The Ombuds impartially considers the interests of all parties involved in a situation, in order to assist the parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements that are fair, equitable, and consistent with the mission and policies of the University. The Ombuds will not serve as an advocate for the university or an individual.