What We Do

If you are experiencing a university-related concern, conflict, or challenging situation, please feel free to contact the Office of the Ombuds, at either UPC or HSC. Our office is open to all members of the USC community with a campus related issue.

Our Services

The USC Office of the Ombuds provides several confidential services.

Meeting area with table and chairs

Individual Consultations

In an individual meeting, an Ombuds will work with you to:

  • Listen to the issue or concern
  • Provide a neutral perspective
  • Brainstorm possible paths through the conflict
  • Develop and weigh strategies to address the concerns
  • Identify relevant policies and resources that might be helpful to you
  • Offer conflict management and coaching as you explore next steps

All meetings with the ombuds are voluntary and confidential.

Group consultation

Group Consultations

In a group meeting, an Ombuds will work with you to:

  • Listen to the issues or concerns
  • Provide a neutral perspective
  • Brainstorm possible paths through the conflict
  • Develop and weigh strategies to address the concerns
  • Identify relevant policies and resources that might be helpful to the group
  • Offer conflict management and coaching as the groups explore next steps collectively and individually

All meetings with the ombuds are voluntary and confidential.

Empty table with three chairs

Mediations & Facilitated Conversations

Mediation and facilitated conversations are voluntary and confidential facilitated processes involving two or more participants who work together with the ombuds, a neutral third party, to help to frame and guide the conversation.

They provide participants an opportunity to present their points of view, be heard, explore each other’s perspectives, gain clarity and context of underlying issues, and collaborate in generating and weighing possible paths to resolution.

Participants have sole discretion over creating and implementing any agreements.

people meeting with laptop and notebook

Conflict and Communication Coaching

The Ombuds Office can share conflict models, communication strategies, and coaching techniques to assist individuals and groups to better address issues and concerns.

people at presentation taking notes

Conflict Management Presentations

The Ombuds Office may be able to provide tailored conflict-management or communication skills presentations to individual groups who are experiencing conflict.

Schedule an Appointment

We are able to meet with visitors on Zoom, by telephone, or in person at either the UPC or HSC campus. You may schedule an appointment to meet with an Ombuds by emailing or calling us.

UPC Ombuds

For UPC Ombuds, please call (213) 821-9556 or email upcombuds@usc.edu.

The UPC Ombuds Office serves the schools and services on the UPC campus*. The UPC Ombuds Office is located in room 329 of Stonier Hall (STO)** located at 837 Downey Way at the University Park Campus.

*Please note that the Dwork-Peck School of Social Work, Davis School of Gerontology, and Ostrow School of Dentistry are served by the HSC Ombuds.

**Our UPC office is located on the third floor of Stonier Hall, which is accessible by stairs. If you are unable to utilize stairs, please let us know and we will arrange to meet you at an alternate location.

HSC Ombuds

For HSC Ombuds, please call (323) 442-0382 or email hscombuds@usc.edu.

The HSC Ombuds Office serves all health sciences schools, services, and programs*. The HSC Ombuds Office is located at the Health Sciences Campus on the B-Level of SRH (Seaver Hall) located at 1969 Zonal Avenue.

*Please note that the Dwork-Peck School of Social Work, Davis School of Gerontology, and Ostrow School of Dentistry are served by the HSC Ombuds.