• 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

• 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

“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.”