APSU Faculty Ombudspersons
Confidential | Impartial | Independent | Informal
What is an Ombudsperson?
An Ombudsperson serves as a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal guide for faculty members experiencing professional challenges. They help resolve conflicts and misunderstandings while upholding fairness across campus. This role aligns with the standards of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). Click here to learn more through an IOA Video on YouTube.
According to the IOA, “Ombuds are trusted navigators who help lead the way toward more just, engaged, and inclusive organizations. Ombuds, (also commonly referred to as ombudsman or ombudsperson,) work in all types of organizations, including government agencies, colleges and universities, corporations, hospitals and other medical facilities, and news organizations.”
Mission & Purpose
The Faculty Ombuds provides a safe, confidential space for faculty to:
- Discuss concerns openly.
- Explore conflict resolution options.
- Clarify university policies.
- Identify systemic issues affecting faculty well-being.
The Ombuds does not replace formal grievance processes but offers an alternative path to resolving issues informally.
NOTE: One of the central pillars of ombuds practice is CONFIDENTIALITY. The ombuds will NOT disclose specific identifying confidential information that does not involve a significant risk of physical harm or is otherwise required by law, without the consent of the faculty member.
How Do I Contact My Faculty Ombuds?
The process is easy. Simply send an email to rennerfeldtm@apsu.edu and wadiam@apsu.edu. The subject line of your email should be “Request for ombuds meeting.” Do not include any other information in the body of the email. Simply offer some windows of availability (the ombuds office often meets with visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays) when you can spare 45-60 minutes for an initial meeting.
Where is the Ombuds Office located?
The Ombuds office is located in the Memorial Health Building Room 112C.
Meet Your APSU Faculty Ombudspersons
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Professor Margaret Rennerfeldt Department of Theater and Dance |
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Dr. Mickey Wadia Department of Languages and Literature |
Meeting with the Ombuds is Voluntary.
Meeting with the Ombuds is purely voluntary. If you choose to meet with us, you agree to the principles under which the Office operates.
There may be circumstances in which the Ombuds will request a meeting with a faculty member to gather information on behalf of the complainant, to offer support for solutions, to assist in conflict resolution, or to gain additional perspectives for all involved.
Why Meet with an Ombuds?
- You want a private space to discuss faculty concerns.
- You need clarity on university policies or procedures.
- You’d like to explore informal resolution options before taking formal steps.
Here are five common reasons faculty members might seek assistance from an organizational ombudsperson:
- Conflict Resolution: Faculty often approach an Ombuds to address interpersonal conflicts with colleagues, department heads, or students. The Ombuds provides a neutral space to mediate and explore solutions.
- Policy Clarification: When faculty members have concerns about university policies, procedures, or guidelines—such as tenure, promotion, or grievance processes—the Ombuds helps clarify these in a confidential setting.
- Workplace Concerns: Issues like workload distribution, ethical dilemmas, or concerns about equity and fairness in decision-making are frequently discussed with Ombuds.
- Communication Challenges: Faculty may seek guidance on how to navigate difficult conversations, improve communication with colleagues, or address all forms of miscommunication and misinformation.
- Stressful Situations: Faculty experiencing stress due to workplace dynamics, harassment, or discrimination often turn to the Ombuds for confidential support and advice on next steps.
Core Responsibilities
What the Faculty Ombudsperson Does:
- Listens to faculty concerns privately.
- Clarifies policies and university procedures.
- Mediates conflicts among faculty and interested parties
- Provides referrals to university resources.
- Facilitates communication in faculty conflicts.
- Identifies trends that impact faculty well-being.
What the Faculty Ombudsperson Does NOT Do:
A faculty ombudsperson operates within specific ethical and professional boundaries to ensure impartiality and confidentiality. Here are 8 key things ombuds do NOT do:
- Advocate for individuals – They remain impartial and do not take sides in disputes.
- Participate in formal grievance or appeal processes – Their role is informal and does not replace official university procedures.
- Make binding decisions – They do not have the authority to enforce policies or overturn university rulings.
- Provide legal advice – They can offer guidance, but they do not act as legal representatives.
- Keep identifying records – Conversations are confidential, and no formal documentation is maintained.
- Serve as a witness – They do not testify in legal or administrative proceedings.
- Conduct formal investigations – Their role is to facilitate discussions, not to investigate complaints.
- File complaints on behalf of faculty – They help faculty explore options, but they do not submit formal complaints.
- Participate in performance evaluations – They do not assess faculty performance or provide recommendations.
The Faculty Ombuds are enjoined by the rules and regulations of the IOA to ensure fairness, neutrality, and transparency while protecting faculty concerns.
Questions? Contact your faculty ombuds at the email addresses provided above.