THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN FACULTY OMBUDS

In 2003 the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul N. Courant created the University Faculty Ombuds position in response to SACUA's request.  The University Faculty Ombuds works with the faculty ombuds in each school and college to facilitate resolution of faculty problems and complaints.

The faculty ombuds in the schools and colleges are faculty members who have been elected or appointed.  The ombuds assist within the schools and colleges by providing information and counseling on the issue facing the individual.  The ombuds help to review and explore the various options available for handling concerns, problems and complaints.  Training for faculty ombuds includes techniques in conflict management and mediation.

What is the Role of the Faculty Ombuds?
Faculty ombuds serve the college or school by providing confidential and impartial assistance that supports good faith efforts to resolve issues.

The primary function of the ombuds is to protect the interests and rights of faculty and administrators from injustices or abuses of discretion, from unnecessary delay and complication in administration of rules and regulations, and from inconsistency, unresponsiveness, and discrimination at all levels of the university's operations and programs.

The ombuds position exists to help increase the probability that satisfactory and suitable resolutions can be reached informally and to reduce the likelihood that difficult situations might lead to formal grievances.  The ombuds work does not supersede regular university grievance or appeal procedures, but supplements and enhances them.

What Type of Issues Do Faculty Ombuds Handle?
The nature of concerns that faculty ombuds are likely to assist with may pertain to retention and tenure, promotion, salary, working conditions and general climate issues, academic freedom, credit for work done, and harassment by peer or senior colleagues, students or staff.

Although the faculty ombuds do not have the power to change rules, regulations, policies, procedures or the behavior of others, they do advocate for just and fair treatment.  They have an understanding of the current policies and practices regarding promotion, tenure, salaries and the unit's specific grievance procedures as well as training in conflict management and mediation.

What If There Is A Reason I Don't Want To Use The Ombuds In My Unit?
Because of supervisory, mentoring or other relationships there will be times when some faculty members will feel more comfortable working with the University Faculty Ombuds.  Assistance and counsel from  Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff is also available.

Does Using An Ombuds Mean I Can't File a Formal Grievance?
Speaking with and exploring options with a faculty ombuds in an academic unit or the University Faculty Ombuds does not preclude the use of the formal grievance procedures and is currently the required first step in filing a grievance.  See the Formal Grievance Procedures section in the Faculty Handbook and the model Faculty Appeal Procedures for Schools, Colleges, and Academic Units.

For more information please contact the University Faculty Ombuds phone: 764-3405.