About the Office of the University Ombuds

The Office of the University Ombuds at Northern Arizona University provides faculty, staff, and graduate students with voluntary, informal, neutral, confidential, third-party assistance to resolve university-related issues, concerns, or conflicts. The program assists with interpersonal misunderstandings or conflicts, and guides faculty, staff, and graduate students to relevant campus resources regarding academic or administrative issues. The office operates independently as a supplement to existing administrative and/or formal grievance procedures and has no formal decision-making authority.

Goals
The Office of the University Ombuds aims to resolve concerns at the lowest possible level and as informally as possible. Consultation with individuals or groups is available with the goal to maintain a healthy and productive work environment. Faculty, staff, and graduate students may contact the Office of the University Ombuds at any time to confidentially discuss concerns. Use of the our services does not prohibit other options for dispute resolution.

For consultation or to make an appointment, please call and leave a confidential voicemail message at 928-523-8767 or email at ombuds.office@nau.edu.

Books on Loan
The Office of the University Ombuds has a number of books for loan on topics including conflict resolution, leadership, communication, and coaching. Drop by during office hours to look over the selection and discuss your needs.

Contact:

Laura Umphrey, Ph.D., Director and KT Thompson, Ph.D., Assistant Director