UNIVERSITY OMBUDS OFFICE
Lydia Cummings, Ombudsperson
Mon.–Fri., 9 am–5 pm
Holyoke Center Suite 748617-495-7748
www.universityombuds.harvard.edu

In a "Statement of Values" presented in August 2002, President Summers emphasized the responsibility of all who work at Harvard to uphold certain standards of conduct. The University Ombuds Office was established by President Summers to assist individuals concerned about conditions in the academic community violating the standards of conduct. These standards include respect for the rights and dignity of others, honesty and integrity in all dealings, the conscientious pursuit of excellence and a commitment to be accountable. The office seeks to help individuals to find solutions for problems that they may have been unable to resolve using existing normal channels. More generally, its primary purpose is to resolve issues of equity and justice before escalation of tensions produces polarization in any part of the University.

The University Ombuds Office officially reports to the Provost but is independent of any university administrative structure. The office is available to all Harvard faculty, students, post-docs, research personnel, and staff. The office supplements, but does not replace any mechanisms for addressing grievances within the College and other parts of the University. When appropriate it will initially refer its visitors to available conflict resolution offices but only after carefully assessing the nature of the complaint.

The office has no power to adjudicate, arbitrate or to make formal investigations. Its general activities are summarized statistically in an annual report to the Provost that also addresses trends, if any, requiring the attention of the Office of the President. The intent of this information is to uphold and improve the basic values of the entire Harvard community.

The office provides a "safe haven" respecting the privacy and dignity of its visitors. Conversations will ordinarily remain completely confidential. There are no formal records of such conversations. Information will only be shared when there is a potential for personal harm or after the issuance of a court order. Further actions, perhaps involving mediation involving others, are taken only at the visitor’s request or permission. Ombuds are neutral. They are not advocates for any individual or group.

Office visitors are expected to come with a variety of problems—academic and research disputes, access to resources, supervisor-student conflicts, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behavior, interpersonal relationships and problematic working conditions. The Ombuds will listen impartially, help to analyze the visitor’s problems, and discuss options for dealing with them. The choice for the most appropriate next steps is the visitor’s. If the chosen option involves discussion with others, the ombudsperson can provide assistance with and coaching for both written and verbal communication.

Office operations are consistent with the code of ethics and the practices of The International Ombudsman Association.