Frequently Asked Questions

The Iowa State University Ombuds Office is a confidential, independent, neutral resource you can use to informally work through challenges you might be facing in the workplace or at school – with colleagues or supervisors, major professors, or policies and procedures. Think of the Ombuds Office as a confidential help desk. When you share your concerns with the Ombuds, they can usually provide you with a range of information, assistance, options and resources to help you more clearly understand or even resolve your concerns. You then decide what course of action is best for you.

The Ombuds Office is an independent unit that is charged with providing service that is not biased towards any particular group - management or employee, supervisor or subordinate, student or faculty. Independence allows the Ombuds to look at an issue with a fresh neutral perspective and provide individuals with a candid assessment of their situation.

The Ombuds Office first listens to your concerns and then tries to provide you with the information and resources that address those concerns. For example, if you are having a disagreement with your major professor or your supervisor, the Ombuds Office can help you evaluate the situation and discuss options you might want to take. Because the Ombuds Office is a confidential resource, you can feel comfortable there talking about difficult situations. You will receive information and assistance that is specifically tailored to your needs. 

Yes.

No. The University’s policy on “Non-Retaliation Against Persons Reporting Misconduct” protects people who use the Ombuds Office. If you believe that you are being subjected to retaliation because you are using the Ombuds Office, or if you are being discouraged from using it, you should immediately bring that to the attention of the Ombuds. 

No.  Use of the Ombuds Office is always voluntary. It is common for supervisors to suggest that an individual use the Ombuds Office services as a resource for resolving conflict, and visiting the Ombuds Office is never mandatory. It is always up to you whether or not you want to go. You cannot be disciplined if you choose not to use the Ombuds Office. 

You can simply ignore it. The Ombuds can provide you with information and options. You are the one who is responsible for deciding what you want to do next. 

No.

Your appeal rights do not change if you first try informal resolution through the Ombuds Office. Remember, though, formal grievance and appeal processes all have filing deadlines you must meet for your grievance or appeal to proceed. On rare occasions, a filing deadline might be extended if a party is working towards resolution through the Ombuds Office, but only Human Resource Services may grant such an extension. Therefore, you should take advantage of the Ombuds Office services well before your appeal filing deadline arrives. This will enable you to try informal resolution and still allow you to file a timely appeal if you decide you want to do that. 

No. Although you are welcome to discuss any type of concern with the Ombuds, please keep in mind that the Ombuds Office does not conduct investigations or issue decisions.  Conversations with the Ombuds are confidential and informal, so telling the Ombuds about a situation does not put the University on notice of your concern, and as an impartial office, the Ombuds Office cannot advocate for any individual or group. If you want to do something about your situation - the Ombuds can help you figure out how to accomplish your desired outcome.

It would still be helpful for you to visit the Ombuds Office because you might learn some strategies you could use to deal with the conflict. Even though your colleague doesn’t want to work on resolution right now, there are often other things you can do so that your situation is more comfortable. Frequently just talking about a difficult situation can relieve some of the stress you may be feeling. 

Yes, as long as you are a university employee or student who belongs to one of the following groups: 

• Graduate/Professional Students 
• Post doctorate student/employees 
• Professional and Scientific Staff
• Merit Staff
• Faculty

Yes, as long as you are not an employee paid solely by the County, you are welcome to use the Ombuds Office. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, give us a call and we’ll help you figure out if you are eligible for Ombuds service. Whether you are working overseas or only available during a night shift, the Ombuds is happy to work with you to find a time and meeting location or communication method that works for your situation. 

No. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of our visitors, and we do not have a calendar of trainings. If you are interested in scheduling a training, please contact ombuds Laura Smythe at the email lsmythe@iastate.edu or call 515-450-7186.