Need Somewhere to Turn? Try the Caltech Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office was created in 1986 to provide the Caltech staff, students, postdocs, and faculty with confidential, informal assistance in resolving intra-campus conflicts, disputes and grievances; to promote fair and equitable treatment within the Institute; and to work towards the general well-being of the Caltech community.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The confidences and identities of the people who consult with the Ombuds office will not be passed on to anyone else without express permission to do so, except to the extent required by law (i.e., in rare cases where violence is threatened).

INDEPENDENCE

The Ombudsperson works toward resolutions of problems based on principles of fairness, without favoritism or bias toward any group or individual. To ensure neutrality, the office is independent of all Institute structures, while reporting to the Provost's Office on administrative and budgetary matters only.

IMPARTIALITY

The Ombudsperson does not take sides, but considers the rights and interests of all parties involved in a dispute, with the aim of achieving a fair outcome. The Ombudsperson does not arbitrate, adjudicate, or participate in the formal grievance process.

UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY

All members of the Caltech community (staff, students, postdocs, and faculty) are entitled to consult with this office.

• About the Ombuds Office
• Some Appropriate Concerns for the Ombuds Office
• About the Ombudsperson
• Contact Information
• Other Resources
• FAQs
• Interesting Reading Materials
• Important Policies and Procedures Websites for the Caltech Community
• Choosing the Right Research Advisor
• Grad Student-Advisor Issues

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