Confidential. Impartial. Informal. Independent.
Office of Ombuds Services
The Office of Ombuds Services provide a welcoming space where you can speak freely and feel safe discussing the challenges you face at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We are a confidential and informal resource aimed at helping you get “unstuck” in your journey with the University.
Our Offerings:
Consultation
Our organizational Ombuds provide a safe space to talk about issues or concerns. They can meet with you one-on-one or facilitate conversations between parties.
Education
Our office provides interactive workshops and educational programming designed to strengthen communication, workplace relationships, and conflict resolution skills across campus.
From Problem to Path Forward
Come See Us About…
- Feeling unstuck or unsure what to do
- Improving effective communication
- Instructor, advisor, or supervisor relations
- Bias, inequity, & microaggressions
- Relationships with colleagues and peers
- Misconduct & inappropriate behavior
- Health, safety, & working conditions
Here’s How We Help:
- Provide a safe & non-judgmental space
- Act as a thought partner
- Explore options
- Clarify policies & procedures
- Make referrals to campus resources
- Provide coaching
- Provide educational programming
2025 Numbers
623 visitor contacts
A mix of new visitors and continuing cases.
97.1%
Overall satisfaction rate from those who sought ombuds consultation services.
877 participants
in educational workshops delivered by our staff.
For more information on last year’s data – check out our annual report!
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Office of Ombuds Services operates under the principles of the International Ombuds Association, including the core values of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality. The ombuds is a purely voluntary resource for you; you choose when you want to work with us. This means that you may share information with the ombuds without initiating any formal university process. The ombuds does not routinely keep records of information that you share. When you decide to work with an ombuds, you agree to the principles under which the Office operates. This means that the ombuds will not appear as a witness in a proceeding internal to the university. Statements made or information provided to a member of the ombuds office do not constitute notice to the university of any potential claim or concern.