In this interactive session, participants will learn about the range of free services from the Office of Ombuds Services, our perspectives on conflict management and conflict as a tool for innovation, and our initiatives for supporting our campus community in navigating challenging situations.

Designed for graduate students, this session provides an overview of Ombuds roles in various fields such as corporations, government, public K-12 schools, justice systems, health, and higher education. We will also discuss how to interact with or advocate for ombuds offices as a professional, as well as how to become an ombuds. Includes an overview of Ombuds services at the University of Tennessee and the role of the International Ombuds Association (IOA).

Designed to enhance your ability to navigate conflict, we provide an overview of conflict processes as well as an opportunity for informal self-assessment. If time, we will discuss both helpful and unhelpful behaviors in conflict as well as specific “hot buttons” that tend to draw out unhelpful behaviors.

We all have an inherent value (dignity) that drives our need to matter and belong. Based in the works of Donna Hicks, we will explore the importance of dignity in workplace relationships; discuss how to honor dignity & avoid violations; and strategize ways to uphold the dignity of yourself and others.

Join us to discuss improving interpersonal communication around performance feedback dialogue with both parties giving and receiving feedback. Together we will examine effective communication strategies within these dialogues, such as: planning for feedback, managing emotions, seeking first to understand, communicating intent, and common feedback pitfalls.

Have you ever felt afraid to speak up or share your ideas for fear of repercussions or causing conflict? Join us to discuss the importance of psychological safety to open and honest workplace communication; productivity ; and innovation. We’ll share steps to assess your own psych safety needs and a few strategies to engage in respectful dialogue with peers about increasing psych safety in the workplace.

Have you found yourself struggling with how to effectively assert your needs, concerns, opinions, and/or boundaries? Join us to discuss the what assertive communication is and is not, and strategies for honestly communicating what you think, feel, and want in a way that honors dignity and contributes to psychological safety.

Good mentoring relationships foster psychologically safe research environments through open and honest communication and clear expectations for both mentee and mentor. Join us to discuss tools and strategies for establishing or improving mentoring relationships between any members of your research team.

This information session will introduce intensive online Crucial Conversations workshops available from the UT Office of Ombuds Services. Crucial Conversations provides a process for engaging in dialogue when stakes are high, opinions differ, and emotions are strong – especially if the conversation is being avoided. Courses are a blend of independent asynchronous online material interspersed with synchronous Zoom practice & discussion sessions and include follow-up/coaching sessions to support implementation. More information via link below.