Typical Problems and Concerns

Listen carefully to your concerns
Inform you of the various options that are available to you to resolve your concerns
Answer university – related process and procedure questions or puts you into direct contact with others who can advise you
Help you to understand the reasons behind various university policies and procedures
Facilitate communication between members of the Michigan Tech academic community
Help you to determine if other members of the academic community are amenable to informal conflict resolution mediation efforts
Make the appropriate referrals if and when informal options don't work
Periodically point out patterns of problems to the University President for purposes of continuous improvement

Offer legal advice
Provide any services to members of the university community in disputes with persons or organizations outside of the university
Get involved in any issues specifically addressed by collective bargaining agreeements for employees who are represented by unions
Formally or informally investigate the validity of any claims or expressions of concern brought to the attention of the Ombuds Office
Become involved in any disputes that have been filed in a formal grievance process
Because of the confidential nature of the ombuds process, persons seeking ombuds services should also realize that bringing a concrn to the Ombuds office DOES NOT constitute making formal organization notification to Michigan Technological University of alleged violations of policies, procedures, or laws