POP Quiz What is the correct gender-neutral term? A) Ombudsman B) Ombuds C) Ombudsperson D) All of the above E) It depends on who you ask I tend to use “Ombuds” but they are all equally bad. I will even respond to “Ombuddy” “Omsbuds” or “Omsbudsman” – just plain wrong 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

University of California, Riverside Office of the Ombuds Staff Orientation Andrew Larratt-Smith Campus Ombuds University of California, Riverside Office of the Ombuds 390 Surge Building (951) 827-3213 Cocktail parties are fun: Introvert Challenged myself to explain what my role is in 10 words or less. 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

Who Utilizes the Ombuds Office? Anyone with a UCR related concern Staff about a third 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith. Please do not use without permission.

Hypothetical A Staff Member is having difficulty with her supervisor. She believes her supervisor is exhibiting some combination of the following behaviors: Micro-managing her Reprimanding her for taking sick time Ignoring / disparaging her comments in meetings Regularly yelling at her What can the Staff Member do? 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.

What can the Staff Member Do? Lump it (do nothing) Quit (Short-term or Long-Term) Talk to Supervisor Directly Talk to 2nd Line Supervisor Talk to trusted colleague Visit Faculty Staff Assistance program Talk to Human Resources Talk to Union Rep (if represented) File a grievance / formal complaint Go to Title IX (if sexual harassment) Go to Affirmative Action (if treatment related to being in a protected class) Make Whistleblower complaint (if appropriate) Which of these is the best option? It depends… Depends on what? Consultation: Confidential, explore options together, V chooses what option to pursue, Ombuds does not take any action without agreement of Visitor & Ombuds* Other things that OO can do -Coaches V on: Managing situation personally Speaking to supervisor Speaking to 2nd line supervisor -Clarify policy -Obtain information anonymously for V -Talk to Supervisor directly -Talk to 2nd line supervisor -Facilitate discussion with v & others 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith . Please do not use without permission.

Ethical Standards: The Pillars of the Ombuds Practice CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMALITY IMPARTIALITY INDEPENDENCE Confidentiality The Ombuds Office will not disclose information unless both the Ombuds and the visitor agree. Exception: imminent threat of serious physical harm Notice Informality: Does not participate, provide E in formal processes both inside & outside UCR. Examples of issues: -Employee who believes co-worker or supervisor is mistreating him. -Supervisor trying to resolve ongoing conflict between two of her staff. -Employee wants to know more information about a formal process (whistleblower, sexual harassment investigation) but afraid to ask lest it trigger a response. -Employee receives/anticipates negative performance appraisal, and not sure how to respond. -Unusual problem and not sure who else to turn to (example: visitor overwhelmed by stench of co-workers lunch every day) Tough: Livelihood at stake, Not easy to resolve overnight, evolving, Confidentiality important. OO has no magic wand What I can promise: listen, concerns seriously, do my best to help you, be creative, keep my mouth shut, be available 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith. Please do not use without permission.

Pop quiz #2 What year was the UCR Ombuds Office founded? A) 1954 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith, UCR Office of the Ombuds. 9/17/2018 2014 Andrew Larratt-Smith , UCR Office of the Ombuds. Please do not use without permission.