What to Expect
The Ombudsperson office is located in the basement of Safford Hall, Room 5 and is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment. You can call us at 413 538-2413 or e-mail at Carol Stewart to reach us.
What happens if I e-mail you?
The Ombuds Office strives to maintain confidentiality* with all visitors. Because e-mail is not a confidential form of communication we will encourage visitors not to use e-mail as the primary method of communication. The Ombuds Office will respond to e-mails with a request to schedule a time to speak in person or by phone whenever possible.
* The only exception to this pledge of confidentiality is where the Ombuds determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm.
What happens if I call or come into the office?
We will listen to your concerns and help you clarify your thoughts, feeling and goals and assist you in creating strategies for resolving the problem even if you are not planning to take action. We can discuss ways for you to address your issues on your own or at your request, we can make informal inquires about your concerns. Any inquires made on your behalf will be kept confidential and we will not disclosure information that can identify you as a party to our inquire without your consent. The Ombudsperson can answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. We can suggest other helpful services offered through the office including facilitated discussions, mediation or group facilitation. And while we have no direct authority to change Mount Holyoke College policy, we can recommend administrative policy changes that are equitable to everyone and that help College department and offices address frequently occurring issues.
The power of the Office of the Ombudsperson rests in our ability to listen and inform; we do not conduct formal investigations or make official recommendations. We do not adjudicate, arbitrate or participate in any internal or external formal process (including legal process). |
