General Catalog & Schedule of Classes

 University Ombuds

Sue Theiss, Ombuds
sue.theiss@oregonstate.edu

Breanne Taylor, Assistant Ombuds
breanne.taylor@oregonstate.edu

University Ombuds
Waldo Hall 113 & 116A
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-7029
Website: http://oregonstate.edu/ombuds/

The University Ombuds strengthens campus communication and administrative processes by acting as a designated neutral referral resource and dispute resolution practitioner. The ombuds' major function is to provide informal, impartial, and confidential* assistance to the university community by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, exploring options for resolution, providing information and referrals, and if all parties agree, facilitating informal, non-binding mediation. The ombuds also reports anonymous trend data to the president and provides periodic conflict management trainings to all members of the campus community.

Serving as a designated neutral, the ombuds is not an advocate for any individual or for the university, but rather acts as an advocate for fairness and healthy campus conflict management. The ombuds does not have the power to make any decisions as to ultimate resolution, nor does the ombuds have the power to reverse any decisions made or actions taken by the regularly constituted university authorities. The ombuds does not provide legal advice or psychological counseling. This position compliments, but does not replace, the university's existing resources for conflict resolution. To preserve independence and neutrality, the ombuds reports directly to the president.

*Confidentiality cannot be promised in matters relating to threats to public safety, child abuse, if there is imminent risk of serious harm, or if compelled by a court of law. Speaking with an ombuds does not constitute legal notice to the university of any problem, concern, or complaint. You must pursue alternative complaint avenues if you wish to obligate the university to respond in any way. The ombuds has no duty or responsibility to report incidents to any person or authority, other than as described above.