Conflict Resolution and Ombuds Services
The mission of Conflict Resolution and Ombuds Services is to support faculty and staff, and to promote a conflict responsive workplace at Connecticut College.
Our Staff and Faculty Ombudsperson is available year-round to assist in the management of workplace conflicts, and may provide informal and confidential* guidance, support, information and referrals.
The Ombudsperson is neutral and independent; which means that there is no allegiance to any college department or office. The Ombudsperson serves as an unbiased guide to help you strategize solutions to issues you may face as staff or faculty at Conn.
What does an ombudsperson do?
An Ombuds offers informal support in resolving conflicts in the workplace, including issues of equity, fairness, or interpersonal challenges. The Ombudsperson will talk with you “off the record” to brainstorm ideas and help you decide how best to move forward. Typically, you will be empowered to take steps on your own to address your issues informally.
If you decide to take formal steps, an ombuds can help find and connect you with appropriate formal resources, both on campus and off-campus. Examples of formal resources might include human resources, Title IX, faculty grievance processes, or EAP.
Many visitors describe working with an Ombuds as coaching or “workplace therapy,” though supporting visitors is only one part of what our Ombuds does for the community.
The Ombudsperson elevates issues that matter to our staff and faculty, by listening and engaging in important conversations with members of our community. The Ombuds uses this confidential data to advise College leadership and make important recommendations. By visiting your Ombudsperson, you are providing valuable confidential* feedback to the College.
What doesn’t an ombudsperson do?
Since the Ombuds is an informal resource, the ombudsperson doesn’t take any formal action. The Ombuds doesn’t have the authority to hire, fire, discipline staff or faculty, or make policy changes. The Ombuds is not an agent of notice for the College and is not a mandated reporter.