Some conversations are hard to start - and can be even harder if you’re worried that what you have to say could affect your job.

The Ombuds Office is a place where you can begin to talk through workplace concerns “off the record.”  It is independent from any other office and reports directly to the president.

Mary Childers, the College Ombudsperson, is available to assist you --

• If you need help preparing for a difficult conversation with a co-worker, a supervisor, someone you manage or another administrator.
  
  
• If a personal conflict with someone in your workplace is keeping you from doing your job well.
  
  
• If you can’t navigate your way through the bureaucracy.
  
  
• If attempts to communicate have broken down and you are wondering about what to do next.
  
  

The Ombuds Office is also the place to go if you are considering filing a grievance about possible discrimination or other violations of written policies.  This step will help ensure that you’ve evaluated resolution options and that you invoke the right procedures.  The Ombuds Office will not be part of any formal grievance process and will not take sides in any dispute.   

• Listening
• Advice
• Policy
• Review
• Referral
• Coaching
• Facilitation