Ombudsperson

The Ombuds Office at Mount Holyoke College is a resource that operates to ensure that all members of the community receive fair and equitable treatment. The ombudsperson acts as an impartial and informal source of assistance to those who believe themselves to have been treated unfairly.

The Ombuds services are confidential,* independent, neutral and informal. By listening to concerns, the ombudsperson helps visitors identify and explore acceptable solutions to concerns that meet the needs of both the visitor and the institution. The Ombuds Office provides a safe environment for the discussion of issues and concerns – the office does not keep formal college records, perform formal investigations or advocate for either one party or another, but advocates for fairness. Contacting the ombudsperson is voluntary and can be a resource for information as well as services.  Services provided by the ombudsperson include facilitation, informal mediation, conflict management training, conciliation, coaching in methods to approach situations, as well as the ability to listen to issues without passing judgment.

* The only exception to this pledge of confidentiality is where the Ombudsperson determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm.