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Ombuds

The Office of Professional Oversight serves as the ombuds for all students, faculty, and staff in the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and SSM/SLUCare communities.  

Key Tenets

Independence

We operate independently of staff reporting structures and without the influence of others within the organization. The ombuds reports to the highest authority in the organization.

Impartiality

We are an unbiased and neutral resource. The ombuds has no personal interest in and receives no loss or gain from a decided outcome.

Informality

We are an off the record resource. Consultation is not a required step in any formal process. The ombuds does not receive formal complaints or grievances. We would refer individuals to the appropriate place where claims can be made.

Confidentiality

The identity of those seeking the ombuds as well as communication and information from those individuals is confidential information. The ombuds protects and does not disclose confidential information within the organization. Information may be disclosed about a specific matter if the individual gives their permission.

What We Do

  • Listen to concerns
  • Develop options
  • Assist in reframing issues and helping individual evaluate options
  • Refer to necessary resources
  • Facilitate mediations
  • Provide listening sessions
  • Identify opportunities for climate assessments and systemic change
  • Clarify and assist in navigating policies 

What We Do Not Do

  • Act as an advocate
  • Represent individuals in appeals
  • Give legal advice
  • Overturn policy or decisions
  • Offer psychological counseling
  • Take part in a formal appeal or grievance
  • Keep formal records
  • Get involved in off campus issues
  • Participate in informal investigations
  • Serve in a role that would compromise the neutral and impartial role