Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of concerns can I bring to the Ombuds Office?

The Ombuds Office is available to discuss a wide range of concerns, including communication challenges, interpersonal or departmental conflict, questions about workplace climate, concerns about fairness, respect, or being heard, uncertainty about how to raise an issue, and confusion about available options and resources, among many other issues that may arise in the course of work at the college.

Does speaking with the Ombuds put Davidson on notice?

No. Communications with the Ombuds do not place the college on formal, legal, or administrative notice of any matter. The Ombuds Office is an informal resource and is not a channel for filing formal complaints or triggering formal institutional action.

If the Ombuds does not put the college on notice, what happens if I want to make a formal report?

The Ombuds can help you better understand available reporting channels and formal college processes and can help you think through whether you would like to use them. If you want to make a formal report or initiate a formal process, the Ombuds can help connect you with the appropriate office.

How is the Ombuds Office different from Human Resources, Title IX, or other formal offices?

The Ombuds Office does not replace formal college offices or processes. It is a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal resource that helps visitors think through concerns and understand their options. Formal offices such as Human Resources, Title IX, or Academic Affairs may receive reports, conduct reviews or investigations, provide supportive measures, or take institutional action. The Ombuds does not investigate, adjudicate, or make formal decisions.

Does the Ombuds keep records?

The Ombuds Office does not maintain permanent, identifying records of confidential visitor communications on behalf of the college. The Ombuds may keep limited working notes in active matters to support follow-up, and those notes are retained securely and destroyed when the matter is closed.

Will the Ombuds investigate my concern?

No. The Ombuds does not conduct formal investigations, make findings, impose sanctions, or determine outcomes.

Will the Ombuds advocate for me?

No. The Ombuds does not serve as an advocate for any party. Instead, the office helps visitors think through concerns, clarify goals, understand options, and decide how they would like to move forward.

Can the Ombuds participate in a formal grievance, complaint, or hearing?

The Ombuds Office is not part of formal college processes and does not willingly participate in formal dispute proceedings, administrative hearings, or lawsuits regarding confidential communications, unless required by an appropriate judicial authority.

Who can use the Ombuds Office?

The Davidson Ombuds Office is available to faculty, staff, and administrators.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ombuds Office or to reach out directly, please contact ombuds@davidson.edu.