The Faculty Senate, in cooperation with the Provost, created the position of Faculty Ombudsperson to act as a neutral agent in faculty disputes.  The Ombudsperson informally assists in resolving concerns or problems related to issues of faculty rights and responsibilities; acts as a confidential and informal resource for information, mutual communication channel, and fosters communication between members of the campus community.  The ombudsperson promotes the values of fairness, equity, justice, equality of opportunity and mutual respect.  All inquiries are confidential unless the faculty member gives the Ombudsperson permission to go to a third person.

Any agreement reached by the faculty member with the other parties involved in the dispute, concern or problems related to faculty academic rights, responsibilities and working environment will be regarded as a recommendation to the appropriate unit administrator and acted upon as such.

Role of the Ombudsperson

The ombudsperson strives to ensure that faculty members receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system. The ombudsperson provides an independent point of view in an informal and confidential environment.

Duties of the Ombudsperson

• To be available for consultation during all academic sessions.
• To act as a neutral agent in faculty disputes and informally assist to resolve concerns or problems related to faculty academic rights, responsibilities and working environment.
• To promote the values of fairness, equity, justice, equality of opportunity and mutual respect that build the foundation of Illinois State University. .
• To act as an informal resource of information and will facilitate communication.
• To direct the parties to the appropriate office, department or organizational body to address grievances, concerns, problems and misunderstandings. .

Most of the Ombudsperson’s work will be conducted informally, via phone or in person.  Formal reports will rarely be issued.

What an Ombudsperson Does

• Listen
• Promote people’s ability to resolve their own conflicts
• Help people select best course of action for conflict resolution
• Provide safe and private setting for discussion of disputes
• Make appropriate referrals to existing programs and services to assist people in resolving conflicts
• Identify problem/conflict areas in the university and recommends improvements

What an Ombudsperson Does Not Do

• Participate in formal grievance processes
• Decide which process the disputants will utilize
• Assign sanctions/penalties
• Act as an “Office of Notice” for a formal complaint i.e. discussions with the Ombudsperson does not start any “notice” or other process timelines.

Contact the Ombudsperson