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Principles

Office Standards of Practice

 

The Office of Ombuds Services is Confidential:

  • Does not keep records;
  • Is not an office of notice to the University.

The Office of Ombuds Services is Informal:

  • Facilitates communication when appropriate;
  • Does not participate in any formal process;
  • Does not make judgments or decisions.

The Office of Ombuds Services is Neutral:

  • Does not advocate for any party or the University;
  • Promotes fairness and equity.

The Office of Ombuds Services is Independent:

  • Operates within University policy and reports to the Chancellor's Office for administrative and budgetary purposes only;
  • Does not represent the University; 
  • Advises and makes recommendations on University policies and processes.

 

The tenets of Confidentiality, Neutrality, Informality and Independence are absolute and non negotiable. These tenets belong to the Office of Ombuds Services and not the visitor. By reading this, all visitors to the office acknowledge and accept these four tenants. Thus, a visitor cannot request the Office to breach any of the tenets. However, confidentiality may be breached if an Ombudsperson has a reasonable concern about possible violence or physical harm.

The UCLA Ombudspersons are members of the International Ombuds Association, and practice in accordance with its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Disclaimer: Please Remember

By only telling a staff member of the Office of Ombuds Services about your situation, you have not formally notified any University official of your conflict, dispute or complaint. In order for the University to take action to remedy your conflict, dispute or complaint, you must share it with someone who represents the University. The staff members in the Office of Ombuds Services do not represent the University and therefore cannot receive formal complaints.

Meeting with an ombudsperson does not affect your ability to pursue formal complaints. An ombudsperson can help you find the appropriate person to speak to in order to request that the University take some action, if that is what you want. Important rights may be affected by the actual date when formal action is initiated and/or when UCLA is informed of allegedly wrongful behavior, and in some situations, you may wish to consult with an attorney regarding your rights.

The Office of Ombuds Services will resist being called to testify as a witness in any formal or legal proceedings to reveal confidential communications. The office also does not maintain any permanent records of individual matters.