Carnegie Mellon University
The Office of the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson  ›  Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

The Office of the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson is guided by the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson Charter (charter to be posted soon) and the following principles.

Confidential

Students and faculty can visit the Office of the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson on a confidential basis. This gives them the opportunity to freely discuss their concern knowing that the information will be kept confidential unless they agree to allow the ombudsperson to discuss the issue with others.

There are limited exceptions to confidentiality at Carnegie Mellon University. They are: if the ombudsperson believes there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others; if the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or if required or permitted by law or court order. The ombudsperson may be required to report non-identifying information to the University Police Department for crime reporting purposes.

Informal

Informal conflict resolution is characterized by a number of factors that distinguish it from formal processes like hearings or litigation. Informal processes like mediation are voluntary, use an impartial third party to manage the process, and the parties determine any agreement. An outcome is not imposed as in formal processes.

Impartial

The ombudsperson does not advocate for a particular outcome or for a particular party. The ombudsperson does not participate as an advocate for any party in any formal process. 

Independent

The ombudsperson has the autonomy to manage the Office of the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson independently.