Organizational Ombuds assists individuals and groups to manage conflicts and concerns. Ombuds are Independent, Impartial, Informal, and Confidential. The Ombuds Office supplements, and does not replace any other formal or investigative campus resources, and does not serve as an office of notice.
The Ombuds assist visitors by listening to concerns, exploring options and paths, brainstorming strategies, weighing pros and cons, and providing other possible resources.
USC has designated the Ombuds Office as a confidential place to share issues and concerns. Exceptions to confidentiality include imminent risk of serious harm, and child and elder abuse and neglect. If there are patterns and trends, the Ombuds are also able to share upward feedback with appropriate University personnel. For reasons of confidentiality, please note that the Ombuds office does not permit the recording or transcription of meetings/conversations.
Because the Ombuds Office is confidential, it is not an office of notice for USC. If you would like to report a concern to USC, please visit report.usc.edu
Students, graduate students, trainees, staff, administrators, and faculty, are all welcome to use the services of the Ombuds for University-related issues or concerns. Other constituents that may use the office include alumni, community members, and parents.
The UPC Ombuds Office is located at the University Park Campus in room 329 of Stonier Hall (STO) located at 837 Downey Way. To schedule an appointment with the UPC Ombuds, please call (213) 821-9556.
The HSC Ombuds Office is located at the Health Sciences Campus in room B20 on the B-level of SRH (Seaver Hall) located at 1969 Zonal Avenue. To schedule an appointment with the HSC Ombuds, please call (323) 442-0382.
You can schedule an appointment to meet with the Ombuds by Zoom meeting or telephone or if it is not convenient to meet with the ombuds in person. For reasons of confidentiality, please note that the Ombuds Office does not permit the recording or transcription of meetings/conversations.
The Ombuds will first briefly review the International Ombuds Association (IOA) standards of practice and then will spend a great deal of time listening to your narrative. They will then work with you to brainstorm possible options. They may also share models and strategies for conflict management. The Ombuds will not tell you what to do, but can help you explore the issue further by examining perspectives and patterns. The Ombuds generally allot an hour for a meeting.
The services of the Ombuds Office are provided at no cost to all members of the USC community.
The Ombuds Office is a completely voluntary office and no one can be compelled to use the services of the Ombuds.
The Ombuds does not:
– Give legal advice
– Provide counseling advice
– Tell people what to do
– Receive notice on behalf of the University
– Advocate for any party; however, they can advocate for fair process.
– Intervene in formal processes
Because the Ombuds Office is confidential, it is not an office of notice for USC. If you would like to report a concern to USC, please visit report.usc.edu.