FAQs
Informal problem solving and conflict management for all Boise State Faculty
May any faculty use the Faculty Ombuds services?
- Absolutely. The Faculty Ombuds is available to ALL Boise State faculty, whether you are part time, full time, teaching, research, clinical, visiting, or a special lecturer.
What does the Faculty Ombuds do?
- Listen and discuss Boise State faculty questions, concerns, and complaints
- Help evaluate various options to address concerns
- Answer questions or help find others who can
- Help explain and clarify University policies and procedures
- Facilitate communication between people
- Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
- Advise individuals about formal and administrative options
- Set up mediation for disputes where desired
- Make appropriate referrals when appropriate, or when informal options don’t work
- Point out patterns of problems/complaints to administrators
What does the Faculty Ombuds not do?
- Address issues/concerns brought by Boise State students or staff
- Participate in formal grievance processes
- Make administrative decisions for Boise State administrators
- Determine “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrong-doing
- Advocate one party’s position to another party
- Assign sanctions to individuals
When should I visit the Faculty Ombuds?
- When you want to discuss a sensitive question or issue with a person who is neutral and will keep it confidential
- When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to address a problem
- When you have a situation requiring help in facilitating communication
- When you feel you have been treated unfairly
- When you are unsure which policies, procedures, or regulations apply in your situation
- When you feel a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously
- When you have a complaint about an office, a service, or a decision at Boise State University
How can the Faculty Ombuds help me?
- By carefully listening and helping to analyze the situation
- By researching and explaining relevant university policies, procedures, and problem-solving channels
- By helping you to identify and evaluate options
- By assisting you with non-adversarial, problem-solving discussions with other involved parties
- By making referrals to other campus and community resources
- By striving to help faculty receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system
Can the Faculty Ombuds provide legal advice?
- No. The Faculty Ombuds can help you understand your rights within the University but does not provide legal advice.
Are there disputes that the Faculty Ombuds does not address?
- The Faculty Ombuds does not address disputes between members of the campus community and private individuals, companies, or organizations not affiliated with Boise State University.
- The Faculty Ombuds does not handle formal grievances or legal issues of any kind. However, you may use the Faculty Ombuds either before or after using a formal grievance procedure.
What might I gain by coming to the Faculty Ombuds?
- Insight into a complicated situation
- A clearer perspective on your issue or concern
- Enhanced ability to deal effectively with a problem
- Identification and clarification of options
- Communication strategies to resolve interpersonal issues