Listen, which may be all the visiting student wants or needs
Discuss concerns and help clarify the most important issues
Help identify and refer to other resources appropriate to the student’s concerns
Explain policies and processes
Provide a confidential forum where different options may be considered
Serve as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflict
Offer coaching (e.g. help the student prepare for a difficult conversation)
Assist in informal resolution of concerns regarding a variety of student-presented issues
Initiate informal inquiry for the purpose of clarifying situations and factual details
Initiate offers of assistance to students identified by university processes as “in need”
Facilitate programming and prevention education, empowering university community members towards successful conflict prevention, management, and resolution
Provide the student with information about how a complaint may be made to the University
Report trends; make recommendations for institutional improvement
Use experience, knowledge, and judgment to assist any NC State student
What an Ombuds Does Not Do:
Accept formal complaints, or notice for the university
Render formal decisions
Offer legal advice
Alter policy
Circumvent administrative procedures
Offer psychological counseling
Participate in any formal university grievance or hearing
Mediate disputes between students and faculty or administrators
Testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding, unless required by law after reasonable efforts have been made to protect confidentiality
Serve as a place to advocate for any individual or entity
Address issues involving persons not at NC State University