Heather Cruz

Heather Cruz, MS, Ed.

Daemen University Ombudsperson
hcruz0418@gmail.com
(716) 955-9723

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Duties / Position Description

The Faculty Ombudsperson is a neutral person with whom faculty members can voice concerns, evaluate situations, organize thoughts, and identify options. Since the Ombudsperson keeps no records identifying faculty members, the Ombudsperson can offer a good first step for faculty who do not know where else to turn or how to proceed. The Faculty Ombudsperson shall have no policy role or decision making responsibility, other than to acquire a thorough understanding of college policies that pertain to faculty rights and responsibilities and other aspects of the position. The Faculty Ombudsperson shall have no adjudicatory or appellate function. The Ombudsperson will be required to adhere to the principles outlined in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for an Ombudsperson by the International Ombudsman Association described as follows:

  1. Independence: The Ombudsperson is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible. The Ombudsperson is independent of the College's formal administrative structure and strives to consider all sides of an issue in an impartial and objective manner. The Ombudsperson cannot impose solutions, but may identify options and strategies for resolution of disputes.
  2. Neutrality and Impartiality: The Ombudsperson, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The ombudsperson strives to promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of Daemen College’s practices, processes, and policies. The Ombudsperson does not engage in any situation that could create a conflict of interest.
  3. Confidentiality: The Ombudsperson holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not directly or indirectly disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so, except as required by law, or where, in the judgment of the Ombudsperson, there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm. In this instance, the Ombudsperson should reach out to the Office of Employee Engagement.
  4. Informality: The Ombudsperson, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention. The Ombudsperson provides information relating to college policies and procedures, but does not replace or supersede other college grievances, complaint, or appeal procedures.

Important Facts About the Ombudsperson