A University Ombud is defined as: “a designated neutral who is appointed or employed by an organization to facilitate the informal resolution of concerns of employees, managers, students and, sometimes, external clients of the organization.”1. At the UW we provide a confidential, informal, impartial and independent space for people to bring issues and problem solve.
1 Wesley, Margo, The Compleat Ombuds A Spectrum of Resolution Services, CPER Journal No. 166 (June 2004).
The Office of the Ombud welcomes the entire University of Washington community* across the three campuses and the medical enterprise. We provide a collaborative and confidential environment to discuss your situation, raise issues, consider your options, and develop a plan for the future.
*Patients of UW Medical Center visit the UW Medicine Patient Relations page for resources
We provide a confidential, informal, impartial and independent space for people to bring issues and problem solve. Our services are different because no official process is initiated in speaking with our office. Ultimately, you hold the keys to the outcome and we partner with you to navigate options. We serve the entire UW community (faculty/staff/students on all 3 campuses and the medical centers) and are familiar with most issues raised at the University; no issue is too big or too small.
Yes, this meeting is for you and you can choose to share however much you want. While it may be helpful to share some specifics about your situation in order for us to be an effective thought partner, we respect your choice to disclose or not disclose information about who you are or your situation.
Our office strives to protect all client information and manages intake, emails, and any interactions in a way that is protective of our client’s situation. The Office of the Ombud has been supported by the University of Washington as a confidential and unique space within the university since its inception in 1968.
UW community members are welcome to bring any concerns arising from life at the University of Washington to our office for guidance and support. No problem is too big or too small. Here are examples of some of the issues brought to the Office of the Ombud.
Faculty Concerns
- Relationships with colleagues or administrators
- Relationships with undergraduate/graduate students
- Relationships with staff
- Diversity and inclusion concerns
- Tenure, promotion or reviews
- Salary inequity
- Policies and procedures
- Quality of instruction
- Scientific misconduct
- Space/resource allocations
- Authorship concerns
- Conflict of Interest
- Bullying/incivility
- Disability accommodations
Staff Concerns
- Concerns with a supervisor/someone you supervise
- Diversity and inclusion concerns
- Relationships with colleagues or administrators
- Relationships with faculty
- Workplace mistreatment
- Sexual harassment
- Discriminatory treatment
- Evaluations, promotions, reclassifications
- Salary inequity
- Discipline or termination
- Lay-off rights
- Benefits
- Misconduct
- Conflict of Interest
- Bullying/incivility
- Disability accommodations
Student Concerns
- Communication with Faculty or Staff
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Issues with learning environment
- Relationship with advisor(s)
- Authorship
- RA/TA appointments
- Disability accommodations
- Grade concerns
- Financial aid
- Misconduct (Academic or Behavioral)
- Sexual harassment/Title IX
- Registration
- Graduate student program progress
Clients can now schedule appointments with University Ombud directly on the Schedule an appointment page of our website. We meet with people in person*, by phone or by Zoom. If you are unable to find a time that works with your schedule you can email ombuds@uw.edu or call 206.543.6028 and we will work to find a time that is convenient for you.
*Please note that due to University COVID-19 regulations the Office of the Ombud is closed for in person appointments until further notice
You will generally choose an Ombud based on what community you belong to (faculty, staff, student) but you are also welcome to specifically request whomever you feel most comfortable meeting with. Please visit Meet our team page to learn a bit more about our Ombuds.
For Students:
- Student Client Consultation (1st time): New student client and/or meeting about a new matter. (60 min)
- Student Client Consultation (returning/follow-up): Returning student client seeking a follow-up discussion for an ongoing matter. (60 min)
- Student Referral Consult: Seeking a brief consult on how to refer a potential student client and/or needing a general overview of the services we provide. (30 minutes)
- Student Consultation for Groups or Complex Cases: A new student client with a detailed/complex concern or if you are a group of students interested in meeting with the office. (90 min)
- Request Student Outreach (presentation/training/workshop): Requesting a brief student group outreach consultation from the Ombud to present on the role of the office, services, and/or skill-based training. (30 min)
- If your situation does not clearly fall under any of these categories, please select the 1st time client consultation.
For Faculty/Staff:
- Faculty/Staff Client Consultation (1st time): New faculty/staff client and/or meeting about a new matter. (90 min)
- Faculty/Staff Client Consultation (returning/follow-up): Returning faculty/staff client seeking a follow-up discussion for an ongoing matter. (60 min)
- Faculty/Staff Referral Consult: Seeking a brief consult on how to refer a potential faculty or staff client and/or needing a general overview of the services we provide. (30 minutes)
- Request Faculty/Staff Outreach (presentation/training/workshop): Requesting a brief faculty/staff group outreach consultation from the Ombud to present on the role of the office, services, and/or skill-based training. (30 min)
- If your situation does not clearly fall under any of these categories (for example, you are looking for a mediation, conciliation or facilitation), please select the 1st time client consultation.
Yes, you can refer someone to our office. For more information on how to do this and what to expect visit the Make a referral page of our website. Please feel free to share the link to our website with them.
For more information on what to expect in your first appointment with an Ombud visit the What to expect page of our website.
Our goal is for clients to leave their appointment feeling empowered to take action to solve their issue or concern. Sometimes follow-up appointments are necessary but generally we recommend that clients only come to our office a few times for the same issue. In our sessions we will help to identify goals and next steps to arm you with the resources you need to address your concern.
Yes, you are welcome to bring someone along with you if you believe that their participation will help you share your story fully. Please keep in mind the discussion will be focused on your experience and our hope is that your support person/s will assume a supportive role in the discussion to allow you ample space and time to share your experience.
If other people will be joining you, please indicate this in the “Are you a group of more than 2? If so, how many?” field of your Booking appointment.
You are welcome to book your appointment as either individuals or a group. If you have a largely shared experience, then it may make the most sense to meet as a group so that we can gather information and consider options together. However, if your perspective on the situation is unique, or there is information that you would not want to share in front of others, please schedule an individual appointment so that we have ample time to focus on your experience and goals.
If other you are a group please indicate this in the “Are you a group of more than 2? If so, how many?” field of your Booking appointment.
The Office of the Ombud is still busy serving our community over the phone and Zoom. When you make an appointment with our office, we will send you a Zoom link to your meeting the morning of your appointment. If you would prefer your appointment to be over the phone just let us know.