The Office of the Ombuds at Santa Clara University

Independent, Informal, Impartial, Confidential

Welcome to the Santa Clara University Office of the Ombuds

Grounded on the core values of SCU, The mission of the Office of the Ombuds is to foster a sense of community by recognizing our diversity, interconnectedness, and common humanity as major foundations on which to build compassion, restoration, learning, teaching, engagement, commitment, service and dignity.

The Ombud’s Commitment

The Ombuds office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, serving as an impartial, independent, informal, and confidential resource for the SCU community. The ombuds is dedicated to assisting visitors in resolving concerns affecting their relationships with peers or the institution. While the ombuds is not an advocate for any party, the Office upholds the principles of fundamental fairness and self-determination by considering all points of view and legitimate needs of everyone involved in a dispute and encouraging parties to make their own decisions in deciding how to address issues.

What the Ombuds Offers

The Ombuds office provides a range of informal services to help with communication issues, conflict resolution, and questions about policies and procedures:

One-on-One Consultations: Clarify issues, interests, and goals in light of policy, and evaluate potential courses of action.
Coaching: Develop strategies for collaboration, healthier communication, and conflict resolution.
Facilitation: Mediate communication and dialogue through informal mediation and shuttle diplomacy between parties or small groups.
Information Gathering: Learn about and share relevant policies and procedures to address visitor concerns.
Trend Identification: Surface emerging trends in issues shared by visitors to the Ombuds.

What We Do Not Do

The Ombuds office does not:

Host hearings or adjudicate disputes.
Have the authority to receive formal notice for the university.
Take sides in any issue.
Participate in formal grievance procedures or investigations.
Advocate for any party.
Make decisions for any party.
Set aside established policies or procedures.
Replace or substitute other formal university processes.
Keep identifiable records on behalf of SCU.
Provide legal advice or therapy.

Our Standards of Practice

Independence: We operate free from interference, maintaining independence from administration and ensuring confidentiality by not sharing information or databases with any other office.
Confidentiality: We do not disclose information provided in confidence, except in cases of imminent harm. Communication with the Ombuds is confidential, and visitors agree not to call the Ombuds as a witness in any legal proceedings.
Neutrality and Impartiality: We consider all parties' points of view, interests, and needs, promoting collaborative problem-solving and facilitating mutually acceptable agreements.
Informality: As a resource for informal dispute resolution, we do not engage in investigations, arbitration, or adjudication. We identify trends and concerns to provide recommendations without breaching confidentiality.

When to See the Ombuds

Anyone may schedule a confidential consultation with the Ombuds for any reason. Working with the Ombuds is voluntary and is not a substitute for participating in any grievance process. Consider seeing the Ombuds when you want to:

Enhance workplace relationships through better communication strategies.
Engage in group discussions for building collaboration.
Generate options to address significant concerns.
Explore mediation to resolve and prevent conflicts.
Improve communication and conflict resolution skills.
Share concerns with an independent and confidential resource.
Acquire policy information and referrals to other SCU resources.
Workshop approaches to effective written communication.

Contact Us

To schedule a confidential appointment, contact David Galan: