Types of Problems
Contact the Ombuds Office if you:
- have a problem or conflict involving the University and don’t know how to proceed – or if you are trying to avoid escalating a problem into a serious conflict.
- feel your concerns are not being listened to
- find yourself entangled in bureaucratic red tape
- need information about UM policies or procedures
- believe that your due process rights have been violated
- need someone to help resolve or mediate a dispute
- feel that you have been treated unfairly or insensitively or that you are being subjected to intimidating, bullying or emotionally
toxic
behavior - have an employment-related dispute
- think the University has made an error but has not acknowledged it
- want information about grievance procedures and your rights at U–M
- feel that you have been sexually harassed or discriminated against
- have suggestions about how to improve the University
Further thoughts on when to contact the Ombuds Office Contact the Ombuds Office if the conflict you are experiencing with the University is causing you to have one or more of the following feelings:
| anger | hurt | depression | confusion |
| fear | humiliation | isolatation | victimization |
| powerlessness | frustration | betrayal | hatred |
Contact the Ombuds Office if you believe that a conflict is creating a toxic
environment, is jeopardizing your success and causing:
- debilitating levels of stress and anxiety
- vital interpersonal connections to fray or break
- thoughts about
fight or flight
behavior – if you want to either retaliate against someone or leave your program, or even leave the University