FAQs
What does the Ombuds do?
The primary duty of the Rice Ombuds is to work with faculty members to explore and assist them in determining options to help resolve conflicts, problematic issues or concerns. Functions include but are not limited to:
- Listening to questions and concerns while remaining neutral
- Helping faculty members identify and evaluate options
- Referring faculty members to appropriate University resources
- Opening channels of communication in disputes
- Facilitating difficult conversations
What does the Ombuds not do?
- Provide legal advice
- Participate in formal investigations
- Provide psychological counseling
- Address non-University-related complaints or problems
- Make binding decisions or mandate policies
- Take sides in a dispute
Who does the Rice Ombuds serve?
The Rice Ombuds serves all tenured/tenure track and non-tenure track faculty at the University.
What happens to information provided to the Rice Ombuds?
Personal notes will be taken, but they will be shredded once a consultation is completed.
Who does the Ombuds report to?
The Ombuds reports to the President.
What does the Ombuds report?
The Ombuds only keeps statistical data, not specific information about individual cases.