Faculty Ombuds

The MUSC Faculty Ombuds provides a free, impartial, and confidential service to faculty and postdoctoral trainees seeking resolution for workplace concerns. Acting as a neutral resource, the Ombuds offers informal guidance, helps navigate university policies, and supports individuals and groups in addressing challenging situations without escalating conflicts.

Beyond assisting with individual concerns, the Ombuds serves as a listening post for systemic issues, bringing them to the university’s attention when necessary. The office upholds the ethical standards established by the International Ombuds Association, adhering to these core principles:

Independence: Operating autonomously within the institution.
Impartiality: Providing fair and unbiased support.
Confidentiality: Ensuring privacy in all consultations.
Informality: Offering guidance outside of formal grievance procedures.

By fostering a supportive and constructive environment, the Faculty Ombuds enhances the effectiveness of MUSC’s programs, services, and overall workplace culture.

Faculty Ombuds Brochure

Discover impartial, confidential assistance for resolving faculty concerns and disputes at MUSC.

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How the Ombuds Can Support You

The Ombuds may be a good option for you if you:

are looking for a safe space to discuss a problem
are seeking help in thinking through a concern
need a fresh, impartial listener
want an informal, non-escalating approach
are unsure who to talk to or where to go for help
want to discuss options and resources for a particular concern
want help in communicating with others (e.g. committee, supervisor, chair, division director, co-workers, employee, student, etc.)

Limitations of the Ombuds Office

assist a faculty member who has pursued formal pathways (e.g., grievance or lawsuit) serve as a witness
keep identifying records of visitors or their concerns
advocate for either side in a dispute
breach confidentiality (excepts: situations of child abuse or neglect; concern of harm to self or others; or if ordered by a court of law)
conduct formal investigations
make decisions or file complaints
participate in formal processes such as performance evaluations
give legal advice

Understanding the Role of the Faculty Ombuds Office

The Faculty Ombuds Office practices in accordance with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality are essential to the mission and function of the office.

The office is a voluntary resource. Those who consult the office will be understood to have agreed to respect and abide by the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and will not ask the Ombuds to testify with respect to confidential communications in formal or legal proceedings.
When responding to inquiries or making appointment with visitors, the administrative assistant will ask if the caller wishes to leave a first name and/or private phone number at which he or she may be reached. Callers are not required to leave either. Written phone messages are shredded promptly.
Any notes that may be created by the Ombuds are temporary. They are personal working notes used only to clarify visitor concerns and are not preserved for any reason. These notes are shredded routinely and promptly.
Communication with the office is considered confidential and off-the-record. Thus, the office does not retain case records.
Visitor appointments in the electronic calendars for the Faculty Ombuds Office will be labeled discreetly.
De-identified statistical data are retained for the office’s annual report.
The Ombuds and the administrative assistant will take other steps as appropriate and necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the office operations.

Common Issues Addressed by the Ombuds

Career Management: Promotion; performance management; end of appointment; layoff; reorganization; uncollegial environment; overwork; compensation; benefits
Work Relationships: Conflict with colleague, manager, or advisor; difficult staff; inappropriate or disrespectful behavior; abuse of power; bullying
Research Concerns: Authorship; unethical behavior; research misconduct; conflict of interest; time commitment; compliance
Policies & Requirements: Academic and employment guidelines; disciplinary process and rulings; grievance and complaint procedures
Illness & Disability: Disability services; accommodation requests; disability plans; leave options; internal and outside resources
Sexual Harrassment & Discrimination: Unwelcome, inappropriate behavior; inappropriate relationships
Other Concerns: Parking; housing; university services; financial aid; community safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ombuds (known also as ombudsperson or ombudsman)?

An ombudsperson is a neutral person who can assist in resolving concerns and disputes in an informal, confidential, impartial manner. We support individuals and groups, optimize the effectiveness of university programs and services, and enhance the safety culture and learning environment at MUSC.

How does the ombuds handle issues brought by faculty?

This program provides a safe and confidential place for you to seek information, discuss concerns and disputes, explore your options, and identify helpful resources that may be available to you. The office’s goal is to offer constructive strategies to deal with challenging situations. We utilize listening, coaching, informal consulting, facilitated meetings with other parties, shuttle diplomacy, and referrals to other existing services.

Who can use the MUSC faculty ombuds program?

The ombuds program is offered as a no-charge service to MUSC faculty.

What will an ombuds not do?

We do not provide legal advice or psychological counseling.

How is the ombuds office different from other services?

We provide faculty a confidential service on campus for faculty designed to complement rather than replace other formal processes. We are an informal and confidential resource that helps faculty identify their options in a given situation.

When should I use the ombuds program?

Our services are available as needed, and you are required to contact the ombuds before getting or seeking assistance elsewhere.

Does visiting the ombuds put MUSC on notice?

No. We are a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent program and therefore meeting with us does not put the university on notice. If you would intend to put the university on notice or get something on the record, you should use alternate avenues.

Would there ever be an exception to confidentiality with the ombuds?

Yes. The International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics guide our practice. Important exceptions to confidentiality include the occasion when the ombuds believes the failure to disclose information creates an imminent risk of serious harm to the visitor or to others. Additionally, the ombuds violates confidentiality where expressly required by state or federal law (e.g. child abuse or neglect) or if ordered by a court with the appropriate authority.

Is the ombuds a mandatory reporter for Title IX or prohibited discrimination?

No. The MUSC faculty ombuds is a designated confidential resource and therefore not obligated to report situations that may implicate Title IX or prohibited discrimination. The only exceptions to ombuds confidentiality are child abuse or neglect; imminent risk of serious harm to the visitor or another person; or the order of a court with appropriate authority.

Can the ombuds come with me to my performance review?

No. The ombuds program is an informal one and therefore does not participate in formal processes. The ombuds will not participate as a witness because the ombuds cannot be called upon afterwards to verify that something was or was not said.

Does the ombuds maintain records?

The MUSC Faculty Ombuds Office does not maintain records of individual visits or any information that identifies the visitor that can identify the person. The ombuds may keep short-term working notes as necessary to keep track of commitments and follow-up activities which are shred at the completion of the case. The ombuds does keep limited de-identified information so the program can track general trends and to help MUSC identify opportunities for systemic improvements.

Will I remain anonymous?

If you wish to remain anonymous, the ombuds will address your concern in a way that preserves your anonymity whenever possible. The best way to remain anonymous is contacting the MUSC faculty ombuds by phone.

Office of Faculty Ombuds