College Ombuds

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Diversity

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs

College Ombuds

 

Stephen Peverly, Ph.D.

Stephen Peverly, Ph.D.

Location:

Room 280 Grace Dodge Hall 

Telephone:
(212) 678-4169

E-mail:
ombuds@tc.columbia.edu

Office Hours:  The College Ombuds is available throughout the week by appointment.

An independent office for a confidential discussion of matters of concern

The College Ombuds is a resource available to students, faculty and staff for resolving problems and conflicts.  Members of the College community can use the services of the Ombuds Office when they need assistance or advice, or after other efforts have not succeeded.

Office provides information and explains options for resolving a wide range of problems and rectifying many situations affecting the academic or work life of members of the College community. The Ombuds responds to all concerns and continually works for a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved in a situation.

The work of the Office is confidential, impartial, independent, and informal.

Operating Principles

Confidentiality

Discussions with the Ombuds are confidential as permitted by law, except in matters of actual or imminent physical or mental risk. In such matters the Ombuds considers the interests and safety of the involved parties in maintaining confidentiality.

The Office of the Ombuds does not maintain records of specific complaints or problems.

Impartiality

The Ombuds is an advocate for the fair solution of a problem, not for any particular party, and gives equal attention to the rights of all concerned. Moreover, the Office of the Ombuds does not have any decision-making authority in the solution.

Independence

The Office is independent of any organizational unit or group in the College.

Informality

The use of the Office of the Ombuds is not a substitute for taking formal action, such as filing a grievance. The Ombuds also does not participate in any formal grievance procedures. If anyone wishes to officially and formally notify the College about a problem or situation, the Office can provide information about how to do so.

Activities Of The Office

The Ombuds:

  • Listens to concerns and clarifies the issues in a situation or a problem.
  • Gathers information about the source and conditions of a problem, provides information about other resources for help or makes referrals when necessary.
  • Evaluates a range of solutions and options with the visitor.
  • Offers coaching in how to solve a problem.
  • Provides needed information about relevant Teachers College policies and practices.
  • Creates avenues for communication among those involved in solving a problem, including setting up meetings when necessary.
  • Facilitates a collaboration of the parties involved in finding or mediating a solution.
  • Identifies issues and trends in problems and concerns common to those seeking help for the consideration of the College community as whole.

The Ombuds does not:

  • Make binding decisions on finding of fact.
  • Mandate policies for Teachers College.
  • Act as an agent of the College.
  • Offer legal advice.
  • Provide psychological counseling. 
 

Links To Other Student Services