What is an Ombuds?

An ombuds is an individual to whom community members may speak regarding a problem, conflict or concern. The office is impartial and independent of the administration. Its function can be described as achieving fairness (rather than as advocacy). The Ombuds Office staff are easily accessible as confidential sounding boards and sources of assistance.

Where can I find the Ombuds?

The office is centrally located at 118 Stimson Hall (on Feeney Way – formerly East Avenue – between Day Hall and Goldwin Smith Hall).

Appointments are strongly encouraged, as the staff often work remotely.  Business hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Appointments can also be arranged outside of regular business hours.

Office of the University Ombuds
118 Stimson Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-7101

Telephone: (607) 255-4321

Email: ombuds@cornell.edu

Please note that email is not appropriate for confidential communications.

Who can use the office?

The Office of the University Ombuds is available to all students, faculty and staff affiliated with all units of Cornell University, excluding Weill Cornell Medicine. Cornell Ombuds Office appointments are offered via Zoom, telephone or in person.

Who will know if I contact the Ombuds?

The Ombuds holds the identity and all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so, except as required by law, or where, in the judgment of the Ombuds, there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

When should I contact the Ombuds?

Anytime. You may speak to the Ombuds before, during or after formal action is taken. Individuals often find it helpful to explore positions, options and strategies with the Ombuds confidentially before taking more formal steps. You do not need to exhaust other resources before approaching the Ombuds.

Why would a community member contact the Ombudsman office?

The Ombuds may be helpful in a variety of situations. An individual may seek assistance when they:

• Need a confidential sounding board to discuss a problem
• Think there is unfair treatment
• Have a question about a policy or protocol related to a situation
• Become engaged in a workplace (or other) conflict

What are some concerns with which the Ombuds may assist?

The Ombuds assists Cornellians with both academic and non-academic matters that affect an individual’s workplace and personal well-being. While by no means an exhaustive list, the Ombuds helps individuals manage problems related to:

• Employment issues
• Tenure or reappointment of faculty
• Fees and fines
• Graduate committee and field actions
• Ethical issues or concerns
• Interpersonal disputes

How does the Ombuds assist a visitor?

By operating informally, the Ombuds can assist visitors in several ways. The Ombuds can:

• Provide information on University policies and practices
• Provide information on how to make the University aware of a particular problem
• Discuss and assist the visitor in evaluating available options
• Refer the visitor to the proper authority to resolve the situation
• Facilitate constructive dialogue
• While maintaining confidentiality, provide feedback to the administration (or others in authority) when a systemic issue or trend occurs

The Ombuds assists visitors in a variety of ways consistent with our mission. Overall, the Ombuds advocates for dignity, fairness, and equity.

The Ombuds operates according to the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

What can’t the Ombuds do?

The Ombuds offers assistance through informal means only, and is not an advocate in grievance procedures, judicial procedures, or any other formal process. Additionally, the Ombuds does not conduct investigations or overrule decisions made by another University official. Finally, as an informal resource, the Ombuds is not authorized to accept formal complaints for Cornell University. If you want to make the University aware of a particular problem, the Ombuds can refer you to the appropriate office or individual.

Does the Ombuds ever participate in formal processes?

No, the Ombuds operates informally. The office does not duplicate existing processes such as grievance procedures, judicial hearings, or other formal procedures. The Ombuds may look into whether proper procedures were followed, and bring to the attention of those in authority gaps and inadequacies in existing procedures.