Welcome to Boston University Boston University Office of

Welcome to Boston University!

Boston University Office of the Ombuds Francine Montemurro Boston University Ombuds fmonte@bu. edu www. bu. edu/ombuds 930 Commonwealth Ave (Charles River Campus) 617 -358 -5960 Adam Barak Kleinberger Associate Ombuds abklein@bu. edu Suite 818 Solomon Fuller Carter Building (Medical Campus) 617 -358 -7645

First & foremost, the BU Office of the Ombuds is. . .

. . . a safe place for confidential, off-the-record conversations

The BU Office of the Ombuds Is a confidential resource serving the entire BU community You can contact us any time with any kind of concern, and any time you need confidential assistance You can think of us as an ”office of first resort”--meaning we encourage you to contact us early on, before a concern escalates into something more serious

What’s an Ombuds?

An ombuds is someone who will: • Listen to you • Help you manage conflict and develop solutions to different kinds of conflicts and problems • Help you prepare for difficult a conversation • Help you navigate through your concerns and the university.

You might think of an ombuds as a ”thought partner” i. e. , someone with whom you can confidentially discuss concerns and develop possible options to address those concern Thought Partner

What kinds of concerns can I bring to the ombuds?

You can contact us anytime you need confidential assistance or a confidential sounding-board

People often contact us when they: • Need help managing a conflict & or a difficult conversation • Perceive a breach of expectations re integrity, ethical duties, conflicts of interest, etc • Are dealing with organizational lethargy, bullying, perceived disparate or unfair treatment, harassment, other issues in the work place or educational setting • Need help understanding a policy or practice • Need a confidential sounding board

The BU ombuds practice according to the following fundamental principles of practice 1. Confidentiality 2. Neutrality 3. Independence 4. Informality

Confidentiality The ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.

Neutrality Ombuds are designated neutrals, and do not participate in formal adjudicative processes, make decisions on behalf of BU, or override the decisions of other officials. Formal investigations and grievances are the purview of other offices.

Independence The ombuds is independent in structure and function. The Office reports directly to the Boston University President for administrative and budgetary purposes. The ombuds neither compels other offices to take specific action nor receives compulsory orders from other offices about how to approach a particular issue.

Informality The ombuds is an informal resource, and does not participate in any formal adjudicative, disciplinary, or grievance procedures.

Questions?

Boston University Office of the Ombuds Francine Montemurro Boston University Ombuds fmonte@bu. edu www. bu. edu/ombuds 930 Commonwealth Ave (Charles River Campus) 617 -358 -5960 Adam Barak Kleinberger Associate Ombuds abklein@bu. edu Suite 818 Solomon Fuller Carter Building (Medical Campus) 617 -358 -7645