WELCOME TO THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSPERSON
The Office of the Ombudsperson offers free conflict management assistance to all students, faculty, staff, and administrators at all Georgia State University campuses.
The office follows the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set forth by the International Ombuds Association:
Our Office operates pursuant to its Charter Agreement with Georgia State University and the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Ombuds services are confidential, impartial, informal, and independent.
We are excited to announce the publication of the latest article by our Director, Dr. Reimers, and former graduate assistant Alexandria Johnson, published in the Journal of the International Ombuds Association!
The peer-reviewed article titled “Photovoice: Expanding the Modern Ombuds’ Toolkit to Provide Impactful Feedback about Systemic Challenges Regarding DEIB” introduces Photovoice, a photo- and dialogue-based participatory action research methodology, to the Ombuds community. It shares insights derived from the Office’s “Lift Every Voice” project, which explored the realities of being a Black female scholar at GSU and started a community for mentorship and camaraderie by creating a hospitable environment for participants to convene and express themselves creatively.
Dr. Reimers is the 2023 Recipient of ACR’s William J. Kreidler Award for Distinguished Service to Expanding Knowledge in the Field of Conflict Resolution
In October 2023, Birthe was honored to receive the William J. Kreidler Award at the Association for Conflict Resolution’s annual conference in Washington, DC.
The William J. Kreidler Award was created in 2007 by the Association for Conflict Resolution’s Education, Research, and Training Section in honor of William J. Kreidler, a recognized conflict resolution educator. The award is presented to a person who has engaged in education, research, teaching, or writing, and whose work has advanced the field of conflict resolution.
What We Do
- Impartially listen to concerns without judgment
- Help people strategize about their situations
- Assist with analyzing and developing options
- Provide coaching in conflict management
- Provide information on policies and procedures
- Facilitate informal conversations/mediations to manage conflicts
- Gather information to provide to visitors
- Provide upward feedback on general conflict trends
We Do Not
- Accept notice on behalf of the University
- Participate in formal processes
- Receive official reports or complaints
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make decisions or findings of fact
- Serve as an advocate for any person
- Offer legal advice
- Offer psychological counseling
- Establish or enforce policies
Independence
- Independent from Georgia State University offices
- Report to the Office of the Provost for administrative and budgetary purposes
- Do not represent the University
Neutrality & Impartiality
- Strive for impartiality, fairness and objectivity in treatment of people and others
- Do not advocate for any party or the University
- Promote fairness and equity
Confidentiality
- To the extent allowed by law, hold all communication with visitors in strict confidence
- Do not keep permanent records, except statistical information for analyzing and reporting trends
- Not an office of notice to the University
Informality
- Engage in informal, off-the-record activities to help visitors address their situations
- Do not participate in formal processes
- Do not conduct formal investigations
- Do not make judgments or decisions
“Working with Birthe and her staff in the Office of the Ombudsperson has been incredibly helpful. Her insights and activities have been instrumental for us in working through some really tough issues.”
“My experience was extremely positive. I just wish that I was more aware of the department and the ease of initiating a meeting. I would have contacted the office almost a year prior if I was more aware of the process, service and confidentiality.”
“I’m just grateful that the office is available and there were options outside of filing a grievance. My meeting provided much more than I anticipated and was without judgement.”
“Response and results were handled promptly and with maximum discretion. 3rd party involvement made it possible to resolve the issue without any escalation. Sometimes we just need another voice added in order to be heard.”
“Thanks for your advice. (…) When something happens—like this parent call—I feel panicked in the moment. Talking through the steps I can take in an anxiety-producing situation helps me prepare for the conversation. Because I’m prepared, I feel more calm approaching the difficult situation. Thank you!”
“Today, I no longer feel such a sense of despair and the solutions we went over make me feel like a weight was lifted. I don’t know what will happen, but I feel like maybe I can sleep better.”
“Everything was helpful. I believe that the way she helped me to reframe the questions I have to ask of my supervisor will be helpful.”
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have been a good confidant and advisor. I know I wouldn’t have gotten to the 15-year mark at GSU/PC without you. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me.”
“Your work with me, and the office, has helped provide me skills of communication and de-escalation that have been pivotal in my survival and informed my dissertation process.”
“Through the work that we did, I was able to not only find a sense of community, but also tell my own story in ways that I hadn’t experienced before.”
“I’ve worked with the Office of the Ombudsperson for several years beginning in 2016. I first used the office to navigate a conflict with several employees within my department. From that interaction with the office, I sought mentoring and professional development and support since it was not provided by my department. Also, my role is student facing. In situations where I couldn’t advocate for students I referred them to the office. Lastly, I have been able to coach and mentor others based on information from the office. My experience has been exceptional and I regularly and unashamedly encourage students and other staff to reach out to the Office of the Ombudsperson.”
The Office of the Ombudsperson is available to all members of the GSU community as a purely voluntary and alternate channel for confidential communication. It is not appropriate for anyone to seek to compel the Ombuds or their staff to disclose confidential communications. People who use the services of the Office of the Ombudsperson are considered to have agreed to abide by these principles and not to seek to compel the Ombudspersons or their staff to testify with respect to confidential communications.
Please give us a call at 404-413-2510 for more information or to schedule an appointment or complete a Contact Initiation Form.
Contact Us
Contact Information
404-413-2510 (phone)
404-413-2511 (fax)
Campus Address
One Park Place South
Suites 215 & 217
Atlanta GA 30303
Mailing Address
Georgia State University
Office of the Ombudsperson
P.O. Box 3981
Atlanta GA 30302-3981