The goal of the Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Ombuds Program is to provide graduate students and postdocs with a neutral, third-party to assist with conflict resolution and solutions-oriented support. The ombuds program provides an alternative to the formal grievances and complaint process. It emphasizes non-adversarial problem-solving options, rather than formal, rights-based options.
Graduate students and postdocs within EMS can choose to meet with any ombudsperson across the College, regardless of department affiliation.
Energy and Mineral Engineering:
Geography:
Geosciences:
Materials Science and Engineering:
Meteorology and Atmospheric Science:
Ombudspersons provide a safe environment for graduate students and postdocs to discuss issues and concerns. Examples of issues that may affect graduate students and postdocs include conflict with advisers/supervisors, department chairs, students or peers. Ombudspersons assist students in analyzing their situation, understanding relevant University policies, providing information and advice, exploring possible solutions, informally mediating a dispute where appropriate, making referrals to formal channels. Ombudspersons do not formally advocate for the individual or any point of view, but instead work to promote a fair process for all. They can recommend changes in policies and procedures but cannot overturn decisions made by university officials. Ombudspersons do not keep formal records, perform formal investigations, or provide legal advice.
Ombudspersons are committed to…
Independence. The Ombuds operates independently from other University entities and holds no other position that would compromise that independence. The Ombuds has no administrative, supervisory, or evaluative authority over graduate students or postdocs and exercises sole discretion over whether or how to act on a concern.
Impartiality. The Ombuds strives for fairness, objectivity, and impartiality. The Ombuds does not take sides, advocate for any individual, or align with any group in a way that could create actual or perceived conflicts of interest. The Ombuds supports fair and equitable processes.
Informality. The Ombuds serves as an informal, voluntary, and off-the-record resource. Conversations with the Ombuds do not constitute notice to the University. The Ombuds does not conduct formal investigations or participate in formal grievance, disciplinary, legal, or administrative proceedings.
Confidentiality. The Ombuds keeps confidential the identities of those seeking assistance and all communications with them, to the extent permitted by law. Information will not be disclosed without permission, except where there appears to be an imminent threat of serious harm or where required by law. The Ombuds maintains no official records of visitors or their concerns.
