What’s an Ombuds?

“Ombuds” is the shortened, generally Americanized form of the term “Ombudsman.”  At Boston University, the term “Ombuds” refers to the professional staff in the Office of the Ombuds who serve Boston University. 

In North America and Europe, the role has evolved, especially in recent years, into many different forms, with different missions and practice standards. Most ombuds who work in US-based academic settings are “Organizational Ombuds” and work to address concerns and problems of their constituencies using informal means. Many organizational ombuds, including the Boston University ombuds, practice according the International Ombudsman Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. See The Organizational Ombuds’ Role by Mary Rowe for more information. 

 The BU Office of the Ombuds was created in 2009 as a confidential, independent, informal, and impartial office where any member of the BU community may seek assistance addressing concerns related to life, work, or study at BU.  

That assistance may be as simple as locating the right resource at BU. More often, however, ombuds provide assistance with highly sensitive, often complex issues, for which there is no ready-made or simple solution. 

Because ombuds work is confidential and off-the-record contacting us can be a good first step when you don’t know where to turn for help.