The Ethical Principles followed by the Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office at Iowa State University operates according to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). The four ethical principles required by the IOA and followed by the University’s Ombuds Office are:

  • confidentiality of the identities and communications of people served by the Ombuds Office
  • neutrality and impartiality of the service the Ombuds Office provides to the University community
  • independence of the Ombuds Office
  • informality -- the Ombuds Officer tries to resolve conflict and won’t participate in any formal process related to visitors’ concerns