How to Report 'Issues' Confidentially
The Ombudsman offers a safe, confidential place to discuss these “issues” and seek a course of action.
Here are some ways to confidentially, and if you prefer, anonymously report these issues to the Ombudsman or a notification official.
1. Leave a voice mail message
State what the issue is about and whether you would like to speak to someone. If you prefer anonymity, use a phone in an office not connected to yours. If you want to make others aware of the issues, provide enough information for the Ombudsman to contact the appropriate people. The Ombudsman will not disclose your identity
5. Make a “suggestion”
Contact the Ombudsman or notification official, anonymously if you prefer, with a suggestion that an audit, security check, or other type of inspection would be helpful in a certain area. Provide enough information to ensure that the proper inspection is conducted.
2. Write an anonymous letter
Write a letter of your concern addressed to a relevant supervisor or administrator, double-seal it, and either send to through intercampus mail with no sender information to the Ombudsman Office (or slip it under the Ombudsman’s door). The Ombudsman can take the letter to the addressee, noting that the letter had not been opened or read.
6. Provide a recommendation
Sometimes you have a good idea and can see how the workplace could be improved but don’t know how or who to send it to. Contact the Ombudsman and discuss your ideas. Together you can find a way to let others know.
3. Write the Ombudsman a letter
Similar to the above suggestion, write a letter to the Ombudsman stating the issue and how you would like it to be resolved. Seal it and send it to the Ombudsman. Unless otherwise instructed, the Ombudsman will destroy the letter after the issue has been addressed.
7. Talk with the Ombudsman
Set up an appointment with the Ombudsman to discuss your concerns. All conversations with the Ombudsman are strictly confidential. No records or documents are kept. The Ombuds Office is independent and outside the chain of command. Seeking informal resolutions with the Ombudsman is often preferred by most parties but does not prevent you from taking formal action if needed.
4. Ask a trusted colleague
Ask someone you trust to talk with the Ombudsman about the issues without revealing your identity.