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Ombuds Office

Welcome

About

The Sonoran University of Health Sciences Ombudsperson assists in the interest of accountability, responsiveness, fairness, and equity to internal and external constituents when misunderstandings and/or concerns arrive.  We are a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent resource for staff, faculty, students, and administrators at Sonoran University of Health Sciences that seeks to facilitate the resolution of constituent concerns that are not addressed at the appropriate level within the university. However, we are not decision-makers. We do not have the power to establish, change, or set aside any University rules, policies, or management decisions.

 

Benefits

The Ombudsperson assists in providing steps to navigate through the Sonoran University system in order that concerns/issues may be evaluated, reviewed, and resolved in a timely manner.  Services are free and all individuals are encouraged to seek guidance confidentially and without retribution and retaliation.

Download the Charter

FAQs

The word ombudsman (OM-buds-man) comes from Sweden, where the term was first used to designate a public official who was appointed to investigate citizens’ complaints against governmental agencies. We use the shorter term “ombuds.” Here at Sonoran University, the ombuds helps faculty, staff, students and administrators solve workplace problems, and gives generic feedback on matters of general concern.

Our responses are tailored to the individual’s situation and informed consent, so we…

  • Listen, which may be all you want
  • Discuss your concerns and help clarify the most important issues
  • Help identify and evaluate your options
  • Gather information, explain policies, and offer referrals to other resources
  • Serve as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflicts and work to achieve fair outcomes for all parties using mediation and other conflict resolution strategies
  • Offer coaching, for example to help you prepare for a difficult conversation
  • Consult with groups on development of policies and procedures
  • Facilitate conversations
  • Consult with University officials about broad issues and trends
  • Make recommendations for institutional change when appropriate
  • Use our experience, knowledge, and judgement to assist all visitors and improve Sonoran University of Health Sciences
  • Provide referrals to other resources
  • Operate under the code of ethics and standards of practice of the International Ombudsman Association
  • Make decisions for anyone
  • Offer legal advice
  • Offer psychological counseling
  • Participate in the University’s grievance process or any other formal process
  • Testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding, unless required by law after reasonable efforts have been made
  • Serve as a place to put the University on notice of claims
  • Serve as an advocate for any individual or entity
  • We do not have the power to establish, change, or set aside any University rule or policy

Contact us as a first step, or as a last resort, or anywhere along the way. Come and share your concerns, evaluate your situation, and plan your next step–if you want to take a next step.

Sonoran University of Health Sciences Ombuds Office is not available for walk-in appointments at this time.  Please call 480-202-9131 or email ombuds@sonoran.edu to schedule a consultation.

Presentation Request

Please use this form for presentation requests only. If you have a specific concern you would like to discuss with the ombuds, please contact the Ombuds Office by phone at 480-202-9131 or by e-mail at ombuds@sonoran.edu 

Resources

Books

  • The Organizational Ombudsman:  Origins, Roles, and Operations—A Legal Guide by Charles L. Howard
  • Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
  • Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
  • Dignity:  Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna Hicks
  • Conflict Coaching:  Conflict Management Strategies and Skills for the Individual by Tricia S. Jones and Ross Brinkert
  • The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job by Gary and Ruth Namie
  • Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton
  • Getting Past No:  Negotiating Your Way from Confrontation to Cooperation by William Ury
  • Beyond Blame:  A New Way of Resolving Conflicts in Relationships by Jeffrey Kottler
  • Please Understand Me:  Character & Temperament Types by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates
  • The Anatomy of Peace:  Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute
  • The Mediation Process:  Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict by Christopher W. Moore
  • The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr
  • The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get your Team and Organization Back on Trackby Liane Davey