How We Operate

How We Operate

The Charter

This charter sets forth the operating principles under which the Office of the Ombudsperson Program operates and reflects the college’s commitment to the role of this office and position.
(link to document-coming soon)

Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

The Office of the Ombudsperson was created to serve as an informal, confidential and neutral resource for students. There are four fundamental principles that guide this office’s practices at the college:

1. Independence – The Office of the Ombudsperson shall be free from interference in the legitimate performance of its duties. The ombuds is an employee of MATC but does not represent the college administration or management.
2. Confidentiality – The ombuds shall not disclose any information provided in confidence. The only exceptions to this principle are: 1) when a student gives the ombuds permission to make a disclosure; 2) when the ombuds determines that there is an imminent threat of serious harm; and 3) when the ombuds is required by law to disclose the information.
3. Neutrality – The ombuds shall always be a neutral and impartial resource and shall not take sides or advocate on behalf or represent any individual or the college in a conflict, dispute or issue.
4. Informality – The Office of the Ombudsperson provides informal, off-the-record assistance only. It does not accept formal complaints, nor does it conduct formal investigations. As an informal resource, the office is always a voluntary option. It is not a required step in any informal or formal process that is available at the college. 

Disclaimer

The Office of the Ombudsperson is not authorized to and does not accept legal notice of claims. If a visitor wishes to go on-the-record about a problem or put the college on notice of an issue, the ombuds can provide you information on how you may do so.

The office has no decision-making authority and maintains no records of confidential communications. This understanding fosters confidentiality to the extent permissible by law and helps provide a safe and neutral space for discussing any concern.

Communicating with the ombuds is voluntary. Individuals have the right to consult with the Office of the Ombudsperson without fear of retaliation. Consultation with the ombuds is not a required step in any process formal or informal, internal or external.