Schedule an Appointment with our Ombuds
The Office of Ombuds Services provides outreach and educational programming both in-person and virtually to graduate students, staff, faculty, and campus leadership.
Outreach | Education | Coaching | Certificates
Ombuds are happy to provide Outreach or Education activities via
in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats in morning, afternoon, and evening time slots.
Request an Outreach or Educational session for a unit or group.
Outreach Activities
The Ombuds office is always happy to talk about our services at any graduate student, staff, faculty or leadership gathering. Common options include:
30-60 minute Ombuds Information Sessions
Information sessions are typically 30 minutes with 15 minutes for Q&A, but can be shortened or extended as needed. Click on each title to view details.
Other Ombuds Outreach Options
- Short section at a scheduled Conference or Training (20-40 minutes)
- Panel Session participation (5-15 minutes)
- Facilitated Information Table or Virtual Exhibit Breakout Room (20-120 minutes)
- Ombuds Materials/Swag for giveaway (physical materials only)
Request an Ombuds Outreach Activity
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with questions about any of these options.
Educational Activities
90-Minute Workshops
Highly trained Ombuds facilitators will provide interactive and engaging in-person, virtual, or hybrid training for 90-120 minutes on the following topics.
Click on the workshop title to view details.
FOCUS ON SELF
- CDPI-Understanding Your Individual Conflict Dynamics Profile
- DS-Dignity: A Key to Effective Conflict Management
- PSS-Working Together in Psychological Safety: Discussions on Belonging
- GRFS-Giving & Receiving Feedback: Effective Responses – available soon
FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP
- DL-Navigating Conflict as Dignity-Conscious Leaders- available soon
- GRFL-Giving & Receiving Feedback: Creating Safe Dialogue – available soon
- PSL-Creating a Psychologically Safe Working Environment – available soon
Request an Ombuds Workshop
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with questions about our 90-minute workshops.
12-Hour Multi-session Workshops – Crucial Conversations®
Ombuds staff certified as Crucial Conversations Trainers will support participants understanding and practicing strategies for effective interactions when stakes are high, opinions differ, and emotions are strong.
- Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® – view brochure
- Crucial Conversations for Accountability® – view brochure
Delivery: Over 4-5 weeks, participants will complete on-demand asynchronous activities (5-6 hours) and then discuss& practice strategies in four 90-minute synchronous Zoom sessions (6 hours). Other schedule options available.
Cost: There is a $300 per participant online materials access fee for each course – with 1 year access to all materials. Funding assistance & scholarships available.
Groups should use the Request Form to schedule a private workshop offering
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with any questions.
Outreach | Education | Coaching | Certificates | Top
NEW! Follow-Up Coaching & Consultation (FC&C)
To assist in applying new skills, Ombuds staff provides individualized coaching or consultation sessions to individuals, groups, or leaders within 6 months of any workshop completion. This services is available for:
- Crucial Conversations FC&C – 2 sessions included for leaders, groups or individuals who complete the training – provided by CC Certified staff.
- Conflict Dynamics Profile FC&C – provided by CPI Certified staff
- FC&C for all other 90-minute workshops – provided by certified coaching staff.
Request a Follow-up Coaching or Consultation session
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with any questions
Ombuds Certificate Programs
Be recognized for developing expertise in constructively navigating conflict & challenges towards desired & innovative outcomes!
NEW! Staff Conflict Navigator Certificate
Open to all full-time non-probationary UT staff (with an @utk.edu NetID)
- Requirement: Successfully complete 20 hours of conflict-specific professional learning activities within a 1-year period, including a 12-hour Crucial Conversations course. Read Certificate details & Scholarships info.
- Receive: Certificate awardees will also receive online recognition from the UT Ombuds Office for their commitment to a campus-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
Interested in Participating?
Sign up here to be added to our Ombuds announcements contact list.