It is rarely too late and never too early to contact the Ombuds Office for consultation and support. The Ombuds is a safe, confidential space to discuss concerns that are impacting your life at Stanford, and will act as your "thought partner,” assisting you to explore options and resources available to support you.
Most people reach out to the Ombuds seeking advice on how to manage an interpersonal conflict, whether with a peer, a manager, a direct report, a professor or a student. Individuals also reach out for support managing conflicts within their workgroup; to discuss concerns regarding abrasive or disrespectful behavior, unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, or just because they have questions about Stanford policies that they prefer to be answered in a confidential setting.
Common Reasons to Reach Out:
Students
- OCS questions
- Academic issues, including grade disputes, graduation issues, suspension and dimissal
- Disability accommodation or discrimination issues
- Title IX or other policy questions or concerns
- Housing issues
- Conflicts with other students or within student groups
What the Ombuds Does:
- Meet with visitors in confidential one-on-one meetings of 45-60 minutes to listen to their concerns and identify and evaluate options for addressing them
- Coach individuals on how to manage a difficult situation or prepare for a challenging conversation
- Provide information on university policies and makes referrals to other university resources
- Conduct informal mediations between individuals in conflict.
- Provide group facilitation services and workshops on conflict navigation
- Conduct confidential climate surveys and interviews, including summaries of concerns and recommendations on how to address them
- Help to informally resolve concerns of unfairness or bureaucratic entanglements
- Provide feedback to university officials on trends and makes recommendations for policy or institutional changes when appropriate. See the Ombuds most recent Annual Report (PDF)