MANDATE OF THE OMBUDS OFFICE
- To ensure that all students and employees receive fair
and equitable treatment within the UMass Amherst system.
- To make recommendations, where appropriate, for general
changes in university structures and procedures, and to stimulate
discussion of wider institutional issues.
OUR CLIENTS
- All members of the University of Massachusetts Amherst community:
students, faculty and staff.
WHAT WE DO
- Help resolve conflicts impartially without judging, rewarding
or punishing parties.
- Mediate disputes.
- Facilitate communication.
- Provide appropriate information and referral to grievance
procedures and other services.
- Investigate claims of unfair treatment or erroneous procedure.
- Listen, advise, and make recommendations.
CONFIDENTIALITY
- Records, contacts and communications are normally confidential; in unusual
circumstances (which are explained to clients), rare exceptions are made if
required by law.
- If you request assistance, your name is not used in a case
investigation without your permission.
- To resolve disputes the Ombuds Office has the right of access to most
University records, reports, and documents.
THE ROLE WE PLAY
- The Ombuds Office does not have the power to change rules, regulations, policies,
or procedures, but rather to make recommendations to the university
for changes and to help you find a resolution to your situation.
- In our experience, the great majority of university faculty,
staff, and students have been responsive to recommendations by
the Ombuds Office.
- The Ombuds Office does not automatically take your side in a
matter but rather considers all sides in an impartial way.
TYPES OF CONCERNS THE OMBUDS OFFICE
HANDLES
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Personnel issues
- Administrative matters
- Academic disputes
- Ethical concerns
Who are we?
Catharine Porter - Ombudsperson
Mary Wardwell - Assistant Ombudsperson
Kay Politella - Executive Secretary
How to reach us?
The Ombuds Office
Room 823 Campus Center
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Box 31220
Amherst, MA 01003-1220
Phone 413 545-0867
Fax 413 545-9720
email: ombuds@ombuds.umass.edu
Office hours:
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Summer Hours 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.)
Other Campus Resources:
- Academic Advising
- Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
- The Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution
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Policies.
This site maintained by The Ombuds Office.