Confidentiality & Ethics

At the Wake Forest University Ombuds Office, we uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and informality. These core principles, based on the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice, guide every interaction and ensure that our office remains a trusted, safe, and impartial resource for faculty, staff, and administrators.

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Confidentiality: A Safe and Private Space

The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource. This means:

• Conversations with the Ombuds are strictly off-the-record and will not be shared with anyone unless you give explicit permission.
• The Ombuds does not keep records on behalf of the University.
• No one will know you have visited the Ombuds Office unless you choose to share that information.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

The only time confidentiality may be broken is when the Ombuds determines there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or others. In such cases, the Ombuds may take steps to ensure safety.

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Ethical Commitments

✅ Independence
The Ombuds operates independently of all university departments and offices. This ensures that our work remains free from conflicts of interest and that we provide unbiased guidance.

✅ Impartiality & Fairness
The Ombuds is neutral and does not take sides in any dispute. While we do not advocate for individuals, we do advocate for fair and equitable processes across the university.

✅ Informality
The Ombuds provides an informal and voluntary alternative to formal complaint, grievance, or legal processes.

• We do not make or overturn decisions.
• We do not conduct formal investigations.
• Speaking with the Ombuds is not a required step in any university process.

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Reporting & Records

✅ Reporting & Independence
The Ombuds reports to the University Provost for budgetary and administrative purposes only. This ensures that the Ombuds remains independent from university decision-making structures. The Ombuds may provide summary reports or policy recommendations but does not include identifiable client information in these reports.

✅ Record-Keeping
The Ombuds does not create or retain records for the university, except for anonymous statistical data to track general trends. This reinforces our commitment to confidentiality and informality.

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Your Privacy Matters

By ensuring strict confidentiality, impartiality, and independence, the Ombuds Office creates a space where you can explore options, seek guidance, and make informed decisions—without fear of retaliation or unnecessary escalation.

We invite you to contact us if you have questions about our confidentiality practices or would like to discuss a workplace concern.