The Office of the Ombud serves the UW community by providing high quality, client-focused services for preventing, managing, navigating, and resolving conflict at UW. They act as thought-partners with clients to assist them while navigating issues they are experiencing at UW. Through active participation in the problem-solving process, clients develop the ability to prevent, manage, and resolve future conflicts.
The School of Medicine Ombud directly supports students, trainees, faculty and staff by providing a resource and a safe space to talk about issues and concerns and help navigate challenging situations. They serve as a resource and trusted thought partner, providing a safe and supportive space to discuss concerns, navigate challenges, and explore solutions. They assist individuals and teams in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts — offering facilitation, mediation or coaching as needed. Beyond conflict resolution, the Ombud helps members of the School of Medicine address sensitive matters, consider options, and chart a constructive path forward through various challenges and difficulties.
Who it's for
- Faculty
- Staff
- Supervisors
- Trainees
Desired Outcomes
- Info Seeking
- Info Sharing
- Resolution
Desired Privacy
- Anonymous
- Confidential
Types of Complaints / Topics Addressed
The Office of the Ombud serves the UW community by offering high-quality, client-centered services aimed at preventing, managing, and resolving conflict. Acting as thought-partners, the office supports individuals in navigating a wide range of issues related to their experiences at UW. Through active engagement in the problem-solving process, clients not only address immediate concerns but also build the skills necessary to handle future conflicts effectively for an array of problems related to bias, personal or work concerns, and more. For more information, visit the FAQ Section of their website.
Disclaimers
Retaliation protection:
University of Washington policy prohibits retaliation against people who bring a complaint or participate in the complaint process. An employee who engages in retaliatory conduct is subject to appropriate corrective action, including dismissal.
Exception to confidentiality:
Any information shared in emails, tools, or reports may be subject to public records requests or released under federal and state law.
Process
What information you need to submit, what happens after
The Office of the Ombud is available to the University community by Zoom, phone, or in-person appointments. They offer a wide range of client appointments from 1:1 sessions to group mediations and facilitated conversations. To learn more about appointment offerings, visit the Schedule an Appointment page of their website.
When does reporter hear back?
Varies
Point of Contact Info
You can schedule an appointment with the School of Medicine Ombud directly or can find out more by contacting the Office of the Ombud at ombuds@uw.edu
Contact information for campus specific Offices of Ombuds
Other Considerations
Ombuds serves as a valuable resource for students, staff, and faculty at all levels of UW. It can be effectively utilized by supervisors and other university personnel when addressing complex situations that require thoughtful and proactive problem solving. Its primary function is to support conflict resolution through structured guidance and collaborative engagement.
