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Welcome to the Office of the Ombuds

The Office of the Ombuds is a resource for current members of the University of Utah and UHealth community which includes enrolled students, trainees, faculty, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and other employees with a problem or concern, or those who need help determining appropriate process or policy. Patients of UHealth should contact the Patient Experience office at https://healthcare.utah.edu/patient-family-services/experience or (801)581-2668.

The role of the ombuds is to be neutral and impartial, thus we do not advocate for individual community members, nor the university,  rather we provide information on process and communication to aid individuals in making their own decisions.  The Office of the Ombuds has no authority to take action regarding concerns; rather it provides confidential consultations to help community members understand their options and decide how to proceed.  The Office of the Ombuds is a safe place to voice and clarify concerns, understand conflict situations, and discuss effective ways to respond. Importantly, talking with an Ombuds does not constitute formal notice to the University of Utah.

The Office of the Ombuds supports the Foundational Pillars of the University around cultivating an environment where the highest standards of intellectual integrity, teaching, research and scholarship are practiced.

The Ombuds

Karen M. Gunning
Karen M. Gunning
PharmD
Patricia K. Kerig
Patricia K. Kerig
PhD
Maureen Murtaugh
Maureen Murtaugh
PhD
Trina G. Rich
Trina G. Rich
MLS

When should you come to the Office of the Ombuds?

The University of Utah and the Office of the Ombuds encourages informal resolution of problems and university community members to discuss their concerns directly with the parties involved. If you have been unable to resolve a conflict on your own or would like to explore options, the next step is to schedule an appointment with a University Ombuds. Seeing things from a fresh perspective can assist in finding a path to resolving conflict. The Ombuds can also provide options for accessing campus resources for concerns that may be helped by additional support services or that are best addressed by other University offices.

To schedule an appointment with an Ombuds, please complete the Visitor Intake Form or email ombuds@utah.edu

Please note, requests are reviewed Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and are not monitored after hours, on weekends, or during official University holidays. If there is an emergency or imminent threat which requires an emergency response, please call 911.

    • Listen to your concerns
    • Discuss sensitive issues confidentially
    • Serve as a sounding board for issues
    • Identify options for resolving problems and concerns, which could include a facilitated conversation
    • Discover which policies or procedures relate to your situation
    • Refer you to appropriate University services and programs for your concerns
    • Bring systemic concerns to the attention of the appropriate University offices while maintaining confidentiality
    • Disclose confidential information
    • Make decisions for you
    • Determine the “guilt” or “innocence” of a situation, person, or action, or conduct a formal investigation
    • Establish, change, or set aside policies or administrative decisions
    • Offer legal advice or provide oral or written testimony
    • Offer psychological counseling
    • Play any role in any formal proceeding including an official grievance, complaint, appeal, or legal proceeding even if asked.

Principles and Values

The Office of the Ombuds operates according to the guidelines established by the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Charter for the Ombuds Office can be found here.

Our 4 Principles

Confidentiality
Information shared in conversations with the Ombuds is strictly confidential. We will not identify you or discuss your concerns with anyone unless you give us permission to do so. The only exception to confidentiality is when we believe there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or if there is a need to report according to the rules/regulations of the Clery Act.
Clery Act
Independence
The Office of the Ombuds is independent, authorized to talk to current employees, students, and trainees at the University of Utah to facilitate resolution of problems. The Office of the Ombuds functions independently and outside of existing departmental structure, but for administrative and budgetary purposes reports directly to the President of the University.
Informality
The Ombuds assist individuals in resolving their own conflicts by providing a confidential forum where different options and opinions can be heard. This service is voluntary and engagement is the individual community member’s decision. The Ombuds may refer individuals to formal grievance resources, yet we do not participate in any internal or external investigations or formal processes. In keeping with our informal role, the Office of the Ombuds does not: adjudicate cases, keep case records for the University or for individuals, assess wrongdoing or innocence, impose sanctions, or make, change, or override any rule, policy or administrative decision.
Impartiality
The Ombuds are impartial (neutral) participants in all conflicts and disputes. Ombuds do not take sides or advocate, but rather consider all the rights and interests of all parties in a neutral manner, with the aim of achieving a fair outcome and encouraging civility. Ombuds do not judge, discipline or reward any individual.

Core Values

Our core values mirror the International Ombuds Association (IOA) which are:

  • Act with fairness and integrity
  • Promote fairness and support fair process
  • Remain non-judgmental, with empathy and respect for individual differences
  • Promote dignity, and belonging
  • Communicate accurate understanding through active listening
  • Promote individual empowerment, self-determination, and collaborative problem solving
  • Endeavor to be an accessible, trusted, and respected informal resource