Absolutely. The Faculty Ombuds is available to ALL Boise State faculty, whether you are part time, full time, teaching, research, clinical, visiting, or a special lecturer.
What does the Faculty Ombuds do?
Listen and discuss Boise State faculty questions, concerns, and complaints
Help evaluate various options to address concerns
Answer questions or help find others who can
Help explain and clarify University policies and procedures
Facilitate communication between people
Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
Advise individuals about formal and administrative options
Set up mediation for disputes where desired
Make appropriate referrals when appropriate, or when informal options don’t work
Point out patterns of problems/complaints to administrators
What does the Faculty Ombuds not do?
Address issues/concerns brought by Boise State students or staff
Participate in formal grievance processes
Make administrative decisions for Boise State administrators
Determine “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrong-doing
Advocate one party’s position to another party
Assign sanctions to individuals
When should I visit the Faculty Ombuds?
When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue with a person who is impartial and will keep it confidential
When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to address a problem
When you have a situation requiring help in facilitating communication
When you feel you have been treated unfairly
When you are unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply in your situation
When you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously
When you have a complaint about an office, a service or a decision at Boise State University
How can the Faculty Ombuds help me?
By carefully listening and helping to analyze the situation on an informal basis
By researching and explaining relevant university policies, procedures and problem-solving channels
By helping you to identify and evaluate informal and formal options
By assisting you with non-adversarial, problem-solving discussions with other involved parties
By making referrals to other campus and community resources
By striving to help faculty receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system
Can the Faculty Ombuds provide legal advice?
No. The Faculty Ombuds can help you understand your rights within the University but does not provide legal advice.
Are there disputes that the Faculty Ombuds does not address?
The Faculty Ombuds does not address disputes between members of the campus community and private individuals, companies, or organizations not affiliated with Boise State University.
The Faculty Ombuds does not handle formal grievances or legal issues of any kind. However, you may still use the Faculty Ombuds informally either before or after using a formal grievance procedure.
What might I gain by coming to the Faculty Ombuds?
Insight into a complicated situation
A clearer perspective on your issue or concern
Enhanced ability to deal effectively with a problem
Identification and clarification of options
Communication strategies to resolve interpersonal issues