(click on my name to hear it pronounced)
rethink, respond, resolve
OMBUDS SERVICES for WESLEYAN FACULTY AND STAFF
Israela Brill-Cass
iabrillcass@fixerrr.com
508.889.2675
Office Location: Russell House, Garden Level (side door facing Washington Street)
Looking for information about Ombuds services and are not a member of Wesleyan's Faculty or Staff? Click Here.
an ombuds can:
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Be a sounding board and offer perspective and advice about work-related concerns
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Provide you with information about how to manage challenging conversations and resolve a matter informally
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Answer questions and provide information to help you assess your options (not legal advice)
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Refer you to the appropriate office to file a formal complaint or grievance
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Mediate conflicts and facilitate conversations if all participants are willing to do so
an ombuds cannot:
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Make or change a University policy, rule or decision
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Provide legal advice or representation
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Testify in formal grievance proceedings
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Conduct investigations or grievance proceedings
As a member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), I subscribe to the IOA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (both available in multiple languages).
the most important principles of my work as an ombuds are:
1. Confidentiality – the purpose of the Ombuds office is to create a safe space for faculty and staff to share their concerns, examine issues and identify and consider potential options. I’ll hold all communications confidential, which means that I won’t share the name of anyone who speaks with me – in person, via email, phone or video conference – in or outside of the office or share what we discuss unless you give me explicit permission to do so. The only exception to this confidentiality is if I feel there is an imminent risk of serious harm in which case I’ll notify an appropriate individual or office.
2. Independence – the Ombuds office is independent and outside of Wesleyan’s administrative structure. As Ombuds, I report directly to President Michael Roth, however because confidentiality is so important, the only “reporting” that I’ll do will be in the form of general check-ins to see if the office is being utilized. Reporting will not include any identifying information about individuals or issues that have been shared with me unless you specifically ask me to share that information.
3. Neutrality/Impartiality - the Ombuds is an impartial third-party whose role is to offer objective assessments of any concerns raised and provide information about what formal processes are available at Wesleyan. I have no authority to take action or advocate on anyone’s behalf and I can’t compel anyone or any department to respond.
4. Informality – an Ombuds is an informal resource for faculty and staff, I don’t make decisions on behalf of Wesleyan and I cannot override any decisions or formally advise any individual or office at Wesleyan. I don’t maintain any permanent records of confidential communications and I can’t participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative process regarding concerns brought to my attention. Formal investigations and grievances are the purview of other offices. My role is to listen and offer perspective and information only.
