Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the "What to Expect" page for a full discription of your initial appointment.
Our responses vary for our unique visitors' individual situation and informed consent, so we may:
  • Listen, which may be all you want
  • Offer information about University of Cincinnati policies and procedures
  • Discuss concerns and clarify issues
  • Help identify and evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem
  • Gather information and offer referrals to other resources
  • Offer coaching, for example, to prepare for a difficult conversation
  • Facilitate communication
  • Work for collaborative agreements through mediation
  • Track perceived issues and trends
  • Make recommendations for institutional improvements

We will try our best to assist you, but there are some things we do not do:

  • Make decisions or findings of fact
  • Establish, change, or set aside policies
  • Offer legal advice
  • Offer psychological counseling
  • Participate in grievances or other formal processes
  • Serve as an agent of notice for the University
  • Serve as an advocate for any individual, department or agenda

Any time:

  • you want to address a concern early, before it escalates or worsens.
  • you are looking for informal and impartial assistance with a difficult or sensitive issue.
  • you need a neutral third party to listen to your concerns.
  • you seek guidance to effectively resolve a conflict on your own.
  • you are unsure of where else to go.
  • you are unclear about the University's policies and procedures and how they apply to you.
  • you want help in addressing an issue in a non-adversarial manner.
  • you feel you have been treated unfairly.
  • you need help to identify options.
  • Student financial aid and billing concerns
  • Undergraduate grade grievances
  • Course schedule difficulties
  • Academic misconduct complaints
  • Fee disputes
  • Discrimination
  • Campus housing concerns
  • Grievance procedures
  • Performance evaluations

For more information on these or other university policies, please visit our links to important UC Policies & Procedures. 

Any member of the university community can utilize the ombuds office. Including:

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Undergraduate Students
  • Graduate Students 
  • Post Docs
  • Alumni 
  • Parents & Families
  • Community Partners
  • Others with Unviersity-Related Concerns

Yes, you are welcome to email the Ombuds Office, but please note that email communications are not considered confidential and are subject to records requests.

Mediation is a voluntary, informal and confidential process in which trained, neutral mediators facilitate a conversation between disputing parties to assist them in finding common ground and a long term agreement to resolve the dispute.

Conflict Coaching is a one-on-one process that helps people effectively manage their own conflicts. The Ombuds provide confidential and impartial advice for the UC community.