The word "ombudsman" originated in Scandinavia and means "representative of the people."
In Sweden, there were government officials appointed to receive and investigate complaints made by
individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials (Webster's Dictionary). This term
has also come to be used for individuals who informally investigate complaints and act as neutral
facilitators to assist in reaching fair solutions for the parties involved. The term is gender
neutral and may be used as "ombudsperson" or simply "ombuds."
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No. The Ombudsman can help you identify University procedures and policies, discuss options, and mediate, but cannot give legal advice.
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Yes. The confidentiality privilege belongs to the Ombudsman and cannot be waived. Conversations
and meetings with the Ombudsman are confidential, and the Ombudsman will not share any of your
information without your permission. The Ombudsman does not retain any notes or records other than
information relating to trends (statistical) that does not contain identifying information. If you
decide to file a formal grievance or take legal action,
the Ombudsman cannot testify for or against your position. The exception to the confidentiality
rule occurs where the Ombudsman believes there is imminent threat of serious harm or injury.
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If you and the Ombudsman have exhausted all options for achieving a resolution to the conflict at lower
levels of redress, you may wish to file a formal grievance. The Office of Student Grievance Resolution follows
the procedures outlined in the
Ashford University Academic Catalog. For additional information, click here.
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As with all issues, the Office of the Ombudsman will try to informally resolve the issue if appropriate.
The Ombudsman may work with you to explore options and intervene where and if it is appropriate. Although
the Ombudsman does not receive legal notice of such claims on behalf of the university, and because the
Ombudsman cannot disclose such claims without your authority, the Ombudsman recommends disclosure to the
appropriate university authorities (human resources, student grievance resolution) of such allegations.
It is recommended that you review the information regarding complaints of this nature in the
Ashford University Academic Catalog.
If you decide to file a formal complaint on this issue, you will be required to follow the grievance
procedure as outlined in the Catalog. For additional information, click here.
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The Ombudsman does not take any side and therefore is neutral. The Ombudsman advocates for fairness
and justice throughout the University community.
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At Ashford University, there is one Ombudsman. The Ombudsman does have staff members who adhere to the same policies and procedures as the Ombudsman, and who may be assigned to further assist you.
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Our office is an independent office that reports directly to the President of the University.
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Independence means the Ombudsman is independent in structure and function. The Ombudsman does not answer to, or report to, nor does the Ombudsman have any vested interests in any division, group or issue. Therefore, the Ombudsman does not fall under the scope of general management, which allows the Ombudsman to listen and hear your concerns and issues differently; this difference provids a safe and secure environment for open communication.
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No, students, faculty and staff may contact the Ombudsman on a voluntary basis. Utilization of the Ombudsman service is recommended but is not a necessary step in any University process.
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If you have any questions about the office, or if we can be of assistance to you, please call the Office of the Ombudsman at 866.974.5700, ext. 2480, or email Ombudsman@ashford.edu.