When to Contact the Ombuds Office

You should contact us if:

Topics You May Want to Discuss

You are unsure of a AV�� policy or you believe a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly and, if so, how.
You want to discuss a situation confidentially with someone knowledgeable about AV�� and its policies to decide whether you should take action and, if so, what to do.
You want to learn what resources are available to you.
You intend to file a formal complaint or appeal, but you would like guidance about the process; or you want another objective opinion of your case; or you want to try to resolve your dispute in an informal manner.
You want to know what your alternatives are for resolving a problem.
You are concerned about unfair treatment in the university environment or fear retaliation.
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Harassment or discrimination
- Untangling a complicated situation
- Violations of University policy
- Workplace disputes
- Bureaucratic runarounds
- Ethical dilemmas
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Conflicts of interest
- Disciplinary actions
- Appropriate ways to frame and discuss issues
- Research misconduct
- Incivility or rudeness
- Health and safety concerns
- Unprofessional conduct
- Ways to make or seek an apology
- Academic freedom
- Protecting your reputation
- Threats or retaliation
- Formal processes for resolving issues