About
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The Ombuds Office is a supplement, not a substitute, to the many helpful resources available at Jackson State University. The Ombuds Office is special in the following ways:
- Neutrality: The Ombuds Office serves as an impartial observer, assisting you in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your dispute or issue from several angles. We remain unaligned and unbiased within the University and never take a side in any controversy.
- Informality: The Ombuds Office abstains from all official University proceedings and inquiries. This is a low-risk, confidential location where you can think through several ideas for resolving the issue and determine your next course of action.
- Independence: The Ombuds Office is as autonomous as it can be in terms of form, operation, and appearance. We operate outside the traditional line of command, which gives us flexibility in our approach and access to university leaders for the communication of depersonalized trends and recommendations.
- Confidentiality: To the degree permitted by law, all communications with the Ombuds Office are handled with strict secrecy. The Ombuds Office will not keep identifiable data and will not reveal sensitive communications unless a visitor gives us permission to do so. Only when it seems like there is a severe risk of harm is confidentiality waived.
The above Standards of Practice are set forth by the International Ombuds Association (IOA) along with the Code of Ethics. The full texts of each can be found here: Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. More information can be found at www.ombudsassociation.org . All University Ombuds at Jackson State University are members of the IOA and practice in accordance with the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Visitor: Anyone who comes to the Ombuds Office for support
Benefits Of An Ombuds
What are some examples of issues which are brought to the University Ombuds Office?
Miscommunication between supervisors, coworkers, employees, and/or students
Interpersonal, intercultural, and group conflicts
Confusion around policies and/or procedures
Perceived ethical dilemmas
Perceived unfair treatment or bullying
Managerial effectiveness
Feedback Survey
The Ombuds Office wants to serve the Jackson State University community as best as we can, and we are always open to hearing your feedback. This survey is voluntary, confidential, and anonymous. Your name and identifying information will not be connected to your response. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to continuously strive to make Jackson State University a better, safer, and more enjoyable community.