Yes. In accordance with the Professional Standards and Ethical Principals of the International Ombudsman Association, any identifiable information is only maintained while a case is open, and is strictly protected. Any documents related to a case are shredded as soon as the case is closed. Electronic communication related to cases is kept to a bare minimum, and then purged as soon as the case is closed. The office only keeps generic data about the type and the number of visitors who receive service (for instance, how many faculty, how many women, etc.).

There are very limited exceptions to Ombuds Office confidentiality, but they are rare. If the Ombuds Officer believes that there is imminent risk of serious harm, she may reveal information to prevent the serious harm from occurring. Another exception may occur if disclosure is required by law, regulation, or court order.

It is not possible to guarantee the confidentiality of electronic communication like email. Visitors who wish to maintain as much confidentiality as possible are encouraged to avoid using email to communicate with the Ombuds Office. Just give us a call instead, or stop by our office.