Ombuds Program
An impartial, informal, independent, and confidential resource that faculty and students can access when conflicts arise.
About
Cascadia College believes that every individual should be supported in lifelong learning. Cascadia offers a variety of support services to foster a positive educational environment within the faculty-student classroom dynamic.
The Ombuds is an impartial, informal, independent, and confidential resource that faculty and students can access when conflicts arise.
The Ombuds has two main roles at Cascadia:
- Assist faculty and students with informal conflict resolution by opening channels of communication and empowering them to make decisions, and
- Identify patterns and systemic issues that allow leadership to continue finding and creating resources to support our campus community.
What does an Ombuds do?
The primary function of the Cascadia Ombuds is to facilitate constructive dialogue and conflict resolution through a variety of tools.
The Ombuds will:
- Listen actively and non-judgmentally
- Clarify issues and policy
- Brainstorm next steps
- Provide resources, coaching, training, and referrals to appropriate campus offices
- Facilitate conversations, including mediation and shuttle diplomacy, with the consent of all parties
What does the Ombuds not do?
The Ombuds operates independently from other campus services and does not replace formal institutional processes.
The Ombuds works collaboratively with departments like Human Resources, Title IX, Student Conduct, and the CARE Team. Because these offices follow legally mandated procedures to handle formal grievances, the Ombuds operates distinctly by providing a safe, informal space for problem-solving and referring matters outside its scope to the appropriate department.
The Ombuds will not:
- Make formal decisions or rule on matters
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make official findings of fact
Next Steps with the Ombuds
Adding the Ombuds resource does not change any existing college procedures. If you are unsure where to go, you can:
- Reach out to any student support office.
- Follow your standard department procedures.
- Contact the Ombuds Office directly.
Cascadia’s offices work collaboratively and will ensure you are connected with the right resource.
Contact the Ombuds Office
To schedule an appointment, please reach out by email or phone. To protect your confidentiality, please limit email details to your general schedule and availability.