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
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.
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.
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.
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.