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Employee Ombudsperson Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ombudsperson?
An ombudsman (OM-buds-man), as described in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "a government official appointed to investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials." Also, "one who investigates reported complaints as from students or consumers." Ombuds, ombudsman, ombudsperson are all the same.

JMU's employee ombudsperson serves all employees within the JMU community, offering an informal, impartial and private setting to assist employees when differences of opinion or conflicts arise in the workplace.

How long has JMU had an employee ombudsperson?
JMU's Office of Human Resources strived to enhance its services for employees by developing the HR Service Center and the role of employee ombudsperson in July, 2007.

What does JMU's employee ombudsperson do?
She helps employees informally explore options towards resolution of their workplace issues, offering a safe and supportive place for the employee to share his or her thoughts and concerns.

The ombudsperson will refer individuals to the appropriate university office when the need for formal investigation exists.

When should I contact the employee ombudsperson for assistance?
Employees should contact the employee ombudsperson when he/she:
- believes his/her concerns are not being resolved through the usual channels
- wants to discuss policy and how it relates to his/her situation
- seeks to explore options for problem resolution
- wishes to role play through a situation
- desires a non-judgmental "listening ear "
- needs answers to questions in general

Does it cost me or my department anything to meet with the employee ombudsperson?
No, this is a service offered through the HR Service Center and is available at no cost to you or your department.

Do I need to schedule a time to meet with the employee ombudsperson?
Phone calls, e-mails and visitors are welcome anytime; however, employees are encouraged, when possible, to schedule a meeting to insure adequate time to talk through his or her concerns.

How do I schedule a meeting?
Contact your employee ombudsperson, Cathy Thomas at 83967, thomasce@jmu.edu, MSC 7009. You may also call the HR Service Center Assistant, Kellie Dovel at 86165 to schedule an appointment.

How confidential is my meeting with the employee ombudsperson?
Communications are maintained in a private manner. Your employee ombudsperson strives to safeguard shared information as well as your identity. Sometimes it is necessary to seek clarification or discuss your concerns with others with the goal of resolving the issue. The employee ombudsperson will seek your permission to carry your concerns forward.

Exceptions to this privilege of privacy occur when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm to the employee or others or when laws have been, or may be, broken.

Employees with specific concerns regarding confidentiality are encouraged to share his or her concerns with the employee ombudsperson.

The numbers and general nature of inquiries appear in annual or other reports; however, names and identifying information are omitted.

I am a student as well as a wage employee. Do I ask JMU's employee ombudsperson or student ombudsperson for assistance to resolve my workplace issue?
If the issue is work-related than it would be appropriate to contact the employee ombudsperson.

Can I still contact the employee ombudsperson even though I am no longer employed by JMU?
Yes. These inquiries are limited to one consultation session in most cases.