The Ombuds provides a confidential place for UT Martin faculty and staff to talk through concerns, consider options, and plan next steps. The UT Martin Ombuds follows the International Ombuds Association’s fundamental principles of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality. Click here to read the UT Martin Office of the Ombuds Charter.
Organizational ombuds work with individuals and groups in an organization to:
The UTM Ombuds follows the International Ombuds Association’s Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics, based on the four pillars of:
The Ombuds operates independently in purpose, structure, and decision making, and avoids roles or duties that could compromise independence.
The Ombuds is a neutral and unbiased resource, has no personal stake in outcomes, avoids conflicts of interest, and promotes fair process for everyone involved.
The Ombuds is an off-the-record resource. The office does not make decisions, conduct investigations, replace formal processes, and is not a place to give notice to the university.
Conversations and identities are kept confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law. Disclosure happens only with permission or when the Ombuds determines there is an imminent risk of serious harm.
Yes. Conversations are confidential with narrow exceptions for imminent risk of serious harm.
No. The Ombuds is informal and off the record. They can explain formal options if you choose.
UT Martin faculty and staff.
No. The office is not a record keeper for the university.
No. Use email only to schedule. For sensitive matters, call or meet instead.
No. The Ombuds is impartial and focuses on fair process and options.
No. An Ombuds does not investigate, decide outcomes, or participate in formal proceedings.
You share your situation and goals. The Ombuds helps clarify options. You decide next steps.