Principles of the Ombudsperson Office

The Kenyon College Ombudsperson operates according to the standards of practice of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) and therefore provides confidential, impartial, informal and independent assistance to individuals and groups who are experiencing conflicts or who have complaints.

Confidential: An Ombudsperson maintains the privacy and identity of visitors to the office and the content of conversations. The Ombudsperson may contact individuals whose help may be necessary to resolve the problem but only with the visitor's permission. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm, and where there is no reasonable option other than disclosure.

Informal: All faculty and staff of the college have a right to consult with the Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson has no authority to make decisions on behalf of the institution and maintains no official records.

Neutral or Impartial: The Ombudsperson has no personal interest or stake in the outcome of any dispute. An Ombudsperson avoids situations that may cause or result in conflicts of interest. An Ombudsperson promotes fair processes and does not take sides or act as an advocate.

Independent: An Ombudsperson reports to the highest possible level of the organization and operates independently. The Ombudspersons reporting relationship to her supervisor is for administrative and budgetary purposes only. She is not part of and does not take part in any administrative or formal complaint processes.