The Ombudsperson:
- Is not an advocate or someone who takes one or the other side in a complaint. The Ombudsperson must consider all sides in an impartial and objective way with the goal of assisting in developing fair solutions to complex and difficult problems.
- Does not make University policy or replace established legislative or judicial procedures, although they may investigate any and all of these, raise questions about them, and make such recommendations to the President as they feel proper for their improvement and efficient functioning;
- Does not have the authority to reverse decisions.
- Cannot represent individuals in appeals or formal grievance procedures either on campus or off campus
- Can not provide legal representation or give legal advice
- Can not get involved in a non-University related problem or complaint
- Is not an "office of record". Speaking with the Ombudsperson is not "notice to the University" of problems or policy violations.