The Ombuds
Student Ombuds Services (SOS) is available to assist students in resolving campus-based problems or concerns. Our staff provide confidential, impartial, and informal options for resolving conflicts in a fair manner.
What happens when I contact SOS?
The process starts with a confidential conversation about the issue. We'll want to know what has happened, what action you’ve taken thus far, and what outcome you are looking to achieve. We’ll brainstorm options with you and develop a personalized plan of action for going forward. You ultimately decide how you want to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Name Change
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Why are you changing the name of the office?
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What is an ombuds?
An ombuds is a confidential, impartial, and informal resource for members of an organization to help address conflicts and concerns. The ombuds role dates back hundreds of years, and you can find ombuds all over the world, supporting conflict resolution in healthcare, legal, and corporate fields.
As a student-serving ombuds office, Student Ombuds Services’ primary purpose is to support students who are navigating University-related concerns and conflicts.
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Are any of your services changing?
No, our services remain the same:
- Confidential consultation
- Conflict coaching
- Identifying options and resources
- Contacting other parties
- Research and interpret relevant policies and procedures
- Facilitated conversations
- Mediation services
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Who does Student Ombuds Services (SOS) serve?
We are a resource for all University of Minnesota Twin Cities students and postdoctorates. We also consult with faculty and staff who are navigating conflicts that involve a student.
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What makes an ombuds office a valuable and unique resource for students?
At a large institution, it may be hard to know where to go for support, especially when encountering conflict. Our Student Ombuds Services office provides a barrier-free, informal option for students to explore how to move forward.
Students can come to us and share anything, without fear of unintended consequences or retaliation. As an impartial resource, we encourage fair and transparent processes rather than advocating for a particular person or outcome. We help clarify University policies and procedures so students understand how they may impact their situation. Ombuds offices are confidential.
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What process did you engage in to change the name?
We took care to engage key stakeholders in this decision, including students, campus partners, and our advisory board. We also did benchmarking with other institutions across the country to get a sense for best practices among peer universities. Through working with the OSA Marketing and Communications team, we created a plan to inform the campus community of this change.
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Someone I know could benefit from working with SOS. How should I explain the services you offer?
As an informal, confidential, and impartial office, we can help students facing campus-based conflicts explore options for moving forward. Our services are completely free and voluntary, and students have full autonomy in how they proceed.