Office of the Ombuds

The Ombuds Office at New Mexico State University, under the supervision of the Director of the Ombuds Office, reports directly to the university president. The Ombuds Office shall provide informal dispute resolution and mediation services to faculty, staff, students, and where appropriate, to others who encounter difficulties with the university, i.e., alumni, applicants, family members, etc. The Ombuds Office shall be a place where members of the NMSU community can seek guidance regarding the addressing or resolution of disputes or concerns through a resource which is confidential, neutral, informal, and independent. Services of the Ombuds Office do not replace other processes at the university. The office works to facilitate communication and assist parties in reaching mutually acceptable, fair, and equitable resolutions that are consistent with the ideals and objectives of the university. The Ombuds Office reports general trends and provides feedback throughout the organization and advocates systemic change when appropriate, without disclosing confidential communications. The Ombuds Office shall confidentially receive complaints, concerns, or inquiries about alleged acts, omissions, improprieties, and/or broader systemic problems. In response, the Ombuds Office will listen, make informal inquiries or otherwise review matters received, offer options, make referrals, and facilitate resolutions independently and impartially. In addition, the Ombuds Office shall serve as an information and communication resource, consultant, dispute resolution expert, and catalyst for institutional change.

The Ombuds Office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.