Expressions of Concern

The Ombuds is available for private conversations regarding concerns that are not appropriate for contractual review, grievance, EEOC action, litigation or criminal complaint. If, upon initial contact, that the concern falls into one or more of these areas, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate office. The Ombuds will not contact these offices on the complainant's behalf.

Concerns may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Abuse of power
• Conflicts of commitment or interest not otherwise covered
• Offensive, non-actionable, behavior
• Neglect of professional duty not covered contractually
• Disagreements
• Issues related to dual relationships
• Questionable practices in research or research misconduct not within the scope of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Community Partnerships
• General suggestions for topics that need attention

The Ombuds will not:

• Make judgments regarding allegations of wrongdoing
• Offer opinions reflective of USF administration or authority

The role of the Ombuds is to assist parties in identifying concerns and help them articulate alternative avenues for resolving them.