Services and Responsibilities
of the Faculty Ombudsperson
Some examples of conflicts, complaints, and disputes that may be addressed by the Ombudsperson include but are not limited to:
- Decisions or actions affecting groups or individuals;
- Interpersonal disputes;
- Policies and procedures;
- Employment related disputes;
- Administrative issues.
Services and Responsibilities
- Adheres to the ethical principles of the International Ombudsman Association;
- Assists in clarifying issues that have created conflict or concern;
- Researches, and analyzes concerns and means for resolving issues;
- Frames issues and explores possible remedies;
- Provides information regarding available options and resources;
- Facilitates informal meetings and mutual resolution of concerns;
- Maintains confidentiality and impartiality;
- Develops and promotes positive, informal problem solving methods;
- Provides follow-up;
- Educates the UTMB community by promoting awareness of services and ongoing issues; and
- Makes recommendations for the continuous improvement of informal early conflict resolution.
The Ombudsperson:
- Publishes annual statistical reports;
- Recommends corrections to policies and procedures at any institutional level.
The Ombudsperson does not:
- Intervene in any formal disciplinary process or termination;
- Advocate for any party;
- Participate in the conclusive stage of the conflict management process;
- Make administrative decisions for the institution;
- Determine guilt or innocence;
- Deal with complaints of sexual harassment;
- Deal with issues involving alleged violation of state or federal law;
- Assist when legal counsel is engaged;
- Receive official notice for the institution about issues;
- Become involved in legal issues.
Contact Information for the Ombudsperson:
Michele Carter, PhD
Phone: (409) 772-2377
Email: mcarter@utmb.edu