Office of Ombuds Services Arturo Hernandez, Faculty and Staff Ombudsperson ombudsperson@uh.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Listen to faculty and staff
Answer questions
Help to analyze situations
Interpret university policies and procedures
Develop, examine, and reality-test options
Help untangle bureaucratic red tape
Suggest appropriate referrals
Assist in finding a resolution
Apprise administration of significant trends
Recommend changes in policies and procedures
Identify options to resolve problems
Maintain confidentiality
Take sides
Make or change rules
Participate in any formal hearings or procedures
Make policy
Receive official “notice” to the university
Disclose information provided in confidence
Serve as an advocate for any party
Maintain official records
Give legal advice
Breach confidentiality
When simpler attempts have been unsuccessful in resolving a problem.
When you believe you have been treated unfairly.
When you do not know which policies, procedures, or regulations might apply in your
situation.
When you are unsure of where to go or what options exist to solve a problem.
When you believe a policy, procedure, or regulation has been unfairly or wrongly applied.
When you believe a policy, procedure, or regulation is unfair, illegal, or confusing.
When you need help negotiating a situation.
When you need help facilitating communication.
When you have a question or a complaint about an office, service, or decision.
Confidentiality and neutrality are the cornerstones of the Ombuds office. The Ombudsperson
will not share your information without your permission unless there is imminent risk
of serious harm, and where there is no other reasonable option.
The Ombudsperson does not testify in any formal process inside the organization and
resists testifying in any formal process outside the organization, even if given permission
or requested to do so.
The Ombudsperson reports about trends and provides feedback, but any data or reports
are prepared in a manner that protects confidentiality. Any notes regarding a visitor
are seen only by the Ombudsperson.
As we cannot guarantee the total privacy of email, we discourage you from e-mailing
any confidential information.