MSU Denver Ombuds Resource
Confidential, impartial, independent, and informal support for employees and leaders navigating workplace concerns and conflict. A trusted place to talk through challenges, explore options, and find constructive ways forward.
Meet Your Ombuds
Cris Gilbert
Ombuds Team Member
Cris has over 30 years in the ADR field as an ombuds, mediator, facilitator, professor, trainer, and as a certified CINERGY conflict management coach.
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Michael Stephens
Ombuds Team Member
Michael is an experienced ombuds, mediator, and coach with the goal of helping foster good working relations and a more positive culture in the organizations he serves.
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Jacqueline Villafañe
Ombuds Team Member
Jacqueline is an organizational ombuds and coach supports leaders, teams, and organizations through complex conflict and change.
View full profile →What Is the Ombuds Resource?
The ombuds resource is independent, impartial, informal, and confidential. If you experience any kind of workplace issue and are not sure what to do or who to talk to, the ombuds team is here for you.
In a confidential, off-the-record meeting, the ombuds team can help you explore options, navigate university resources, improve communication, and address workplace concerns in a thoughtful, low-risk way.
How the Ombuds Resource Can Help
How We Can Help
- Listen and provide a confidential space to talk
- Help you clarify concerns and explore options
- Prepare for and navigate difficult conversations
- Identify helpful resources and next steps
- Surface patterns and concerns anonymously to leadership
What We Do Not Do
- Conduct formal investigations
- Make decisions or enforce outcomes
- Advocate for any one person or the organization
- Replace Human Resources or legal processes
- Receive official notice for the organization
- Keep records that identify you
What Makes An Ombuds Different
The ombuds operates according to four core principles that help create a safe, fair, and trusted experience.
Confidential
The ombuds will not share what you discuss, or even that you met, without your permission, except in rare situations involving imminent risk of serious harm.
Impartial
The ombuds does not take sides for any individual or the organization.
Informal
The ombuds works outside of, and does not participate in, formal processes.
Independent
The ombuds operates outside management structures and is not part of formal reporting channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Questions
What is the ombuds resource?
The ombuds is an independent, informal resource for discussing workplace concerns, exploring options, and navigating difficult situations in a confidential setting.
Are there limits to confidentiality?
Confidentiality is maintained except in rare situations involving imminent risk of serious harm or where required by law.
Do I need to prepare before reaching out?
No preparation is required. You can come as you are and talk through your situation.
Still have a question? Contact the ombuds team.
Connect with an Ombuds Team Member
Whether you have a question, want to think through a situation, or need help preparing for a conversation, the ombuds team is here to support you.
What People Are Saying
Feedback from individuals who have worked with an ombuds.
“Most valuable was being able to share freely without fear of retaliation or harming professional relationships, with the assurance of confidentiality.”
“Having a neutral party facilitate a conversation with my supervisor helped us better understand each other and slow things down so we didn’t make assumptions.”
“Having a sounding board to talk things through was incredibly helpful. In my role, I don’t always have a place to process concerns without escalating them.”
Contact an Ombuds Team Member
Submit a confidential request to connect with an ombuds. A member of the ombuds team will respond within one business day.
Your submission is confidential.
The MSU Denver Ombuds Resource was established under a charter
approved by the President of MSU Denver.
View the charter →
The charter incorporates by reference the International Ombuds Association (IOA)
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
and requires that the MSU Denver Ombuds Team adhere to these professional standards.