The Ombuds Office facilitates communication and assists individuals and entities in forging mutually acceptable pathways forward that are consistent with the Mission and Core Values of the University.
Below we've highlighted a few core elements of our principles so you may understand what our office strives to do. For more information, please look at our charter.
Our Mission
The Ombuds Office serves to foster an environment of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity and to bolster a supportive working and learning climate at Mason. As an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource, we accomplish this by providing consultation, mediated conversation, and group facilitation services grounded in dignity, equity, and respect. We welcome visitors from every constituency of Mason's diverse community.
What Distinguishes Ombuds?
The Ombuds Office adheres to the Core Values and Fundamental Principles articulated in the International Ombuds Association ("IOA") Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which are available on the IOA website.
Four Fundamental Principles characterize the work of organizational ombuds:
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Office of the University Ombudsperson is:
- To provide an independent, informal, impartial*, and confidential resource for the University.
- To help foster an environment of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity and to bolster a supportive working and learning climate at the University.
* Impartial – Neutral, nonaligned, and nonpartisan are synonymous terms that may appear in the place of neutral on this site to signal a professional commitment on the part of Ombuds to hear each party with new ears and to respect the dignity, agency, and capacity of individuals regardless of background, experience, identity, or personal allegiances.
Our Scope of Constituency
The Ombuds Office is available to the University Community, including faculty, staff, students, and others who are involved with the University (including but not limited to alumni, family members, applicants, patrons, etc.) as the Ombuds Office deems appropriate.
People who explore or use the services of the Ombuds Office are referred to as "visitors."
Our Charge
The Ombuds Office facilitates communication and assists individuals and entities in forging mutually acceptable pathways forward that are consistent with the Mission and Core Values of the University.
