Terms of Service for Ombuds Consultation
The Ombuds Team are all members of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). Our office is recognized as a Certified Ombuds Program. While serving our constituents and the organization, our ombuds strictly adhere to IOA Standards of Practice – for organizational ombuds following its core principles.
In addition, we provide services to the campus community following the UT Office of Ombuds Services Charter, in which we explain how we work with ombuds’ visitors and how we strive to meet the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice.
The Ombuds is a purely voluntary resource for you; you choose when you want to work with us.
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.
What this means:
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.
Core Principles our ombuds adhere to:
Independence
The Ombuds is independent in structure, function, appearance, and decision-making. The Ombuds reports to the highest possible level within the organization and does not report to a function or entity that could affect, or be perceived as affecting, the Ombuds’ independence. At UT, the Office reports directly to the Chancellor.
Impartiality
The Ombuds is a designated neutral and impartial resource who does not take sides or serve as an advocate for any person or entity. The Ombuds avoids conflicts of interest and conduct that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
Informality
The Ombuds does not participate in any evaluative, disciplinary, legal, or administrative proceedings related to concerns brought to the Ombuds’ attention. The Ombuds is not authorized to make business and policy decisions or conduct formal investigations on behalf of the organization. The Ombuds is not an agent of the organization for purposes of receiving notice of claims against the organization and is not authorized to be a formal reporting channel for the organization on matters brought to the Ombuds’ attention except when specifically and expressly mandated by law.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the defining characteristic of Ombuds practice. The identity of those seeking assistance from the Ombuds and all communications with them are confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Ombuds may, at their sole discretion, disclose confidential information when the person seeking assistance gives permission to do so; when failure to do so might result in an imminent risk of serious harm; or as necessary to defend against a formal complaint of professional misconduct.
If you have any concerns about ombuds staff, please contact the University Ombuds and Director of Ombuds Services – Lisa Yamagata-Lynch. For concerns regarding the University Ombuds specifically, please contact Matthew Scoggins, UT Chancellor’s Chief of Staff.