Ombuds Services

Ombuds services provide a safe space for faculty to discuss issues or concerns related to their employment with the University. Ombuds services are informal and confidential except where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm. Meetings may take place in person or virtually.

Ombuds representatives work with faculty members to address administrative issues, workplace conflicts, interpretation of policies and procedures, and other issues and concerns without fear of reprisal. Ombuds representatives assist faculty in  identifying and evaluating available options and developing strategies to resolve issues and concerns.

The Ethical Principles of UTEP Ombuds services are based on the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice: independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and informality. As an informal resource, the ombudspersons do not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to the concerns that are voiced.

All faculty members are welcome to seek an appointment with an Ombudsperson. Prior to any meeting, faculty members will be provided with clear guidance regarding the scope of ombuds services including issues (such as those related to Title IX and EOAA) which are not addressed by ombuds services.

For accountability purposes, Ombuds services tracks numbers of visitors and broad categories of issues. These records will not include names or other identifying information.
What an Ombudsperson can do:
• Listen
• Provide awareness of available options
• Communicate constructive feedback
• Provide awareness of campus policies
• Refer to resources
• Advocate for fairness and equity at UTEP

What an Ombudsperson cannot help with:
• Formal policy and procedure processes
• Title IX concerns or concerns related to EOAA
• Personal advocacy
• Legal or personal counseling
• Review of anonymous information

Charles Ambler, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus and UTEP Ombuds Representative
Email:  facultyombud@utep.edu