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Our Standards & Ethics

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Our staff are members of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), and follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Organizational Ombuds, which includes the principles listed below. As evidence of our ombuds’ adherence to these principles, they attain & maintain Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP®) status from the International Ombuds Association.


All staff of the Office of Ombuds Services adhere to these standards:

Independence

The office is not affiliated with any other unit or department on campus. Their reporting to the Office of the Chancellor is limited to administrative and budgetary matters. This structure allows for the office to engage in decision-making without directives from other units or individuals.

Impartiality

Ombuds do not take sides and will not serve as advocates or representatives.  They will advocate for fair application of organizational policies & procedures.

Informality

The office is an informal resource and does not initiate or take part in formal investigations or complaint processes.

Confidentiality

What you share with our ombuds stays within the Office of Ombuds Services, to be shared only with your permission.

 


 If you have any concerns about ombuds staff, please contact the University Ombuds and Director of Ombuds Services directly – Lisa Yamagata-Lynch. For concerns regarding the University Ombuds specifically, please contact Matthew Scoggins, UT Chancellor’s Chief of Staff, Matthew Scoggins