Department

Description

At ASU, the Ombuds Office provides an independent, confidential environment for faculty, staff and students of the Appalachian community to discuss campus related concerns or problems. The Ombuds Office holds the identity and all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so, except as required by law or where, in the judgment of the Ombuds, there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

The Ombuds Office reports, nominally, to the Office of the Provost of Appalachian State University. Reporting is, however, for budgetary and administrative purposes only and is limited to summary reports or recommendations that do not include or involve any specific client information. This permits work that is free of undue pressure or influence or even the appearance of external involvement that could compromise the impartiality, confidentiality and objectivity that are the hallmarks of the Ombuds office.