Faculty Ombud
Our Promise
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The Faculty Ombud is governed by a charter approved by The University of Southern Mississippi鈥檚 administration that guarantees that all interactions with the ombud are confidential, neutral, and independent. The draft charter is currently in the process of being review and approved by the administration.
The charter specifies that the Faculty Ombud reports to the University President and
operates independently of all university structures. Communication with the Faculty
Ombud does not constitute notice to the University with regard to violations of laws,
regulations, or polices, including sexual harassment (to the extent allowable by federal
and state law and Mississippi鈥檚 Institute of Higher Learning). Instead, the Faculty
Ombud is bound by a code of ethics established by the International Ombuds Association.
Consulting the ombud will not initiate a formal grievance and consultations are kept confidential. However, the ombud can provide guidance on where and how to file a formal grievance. The ombud will not testify in any formal adjudication and all records of your visit are destroyed once the issue is resolved. The ombud will not disclose your identity or your communications unless you expressly provide permission, and even then, will not provide testimony on your behalf. Unless required by law, there is an imminent risk of serious harm, or there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse, all communications remain private.
The university and its representatives are pledged to respect the independence of the Faculty Ombud and there can be no retribution for seeking the advice of the ombud.
No issue is too small. Nascent problems are often best resolved before they become bigger issues. Others may have similar issues and the ombud can help find campus-wide resolutions to emergent issues.