The Auburn University Ombuds Office is a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal resource designed to help all members of the Auburn family successfully navigate difficult situations and conflicts.
Welcome to the Ombuds Office
The Ombudspersons are responsible to the principles of independence, neutrality, confidentiality, and informality, as well as the values and mission of Auburn University. Every visitor to the Ombuds office is treated with respect, dignity, and honor.
People visit our office for many reasons. Some want to talk about their issue with an impartial person who has a fresh perspective. Some are reluctant to use formal channels. Some just don’t know where to go with their problem. Some have tried other avenues to get help but have not found what they need or feel caught in a bureaucracy.
If you are not sure whether the Ombuds Office can help, please contact us, no matter how big or small your issue. You may visit us confidentially as a first step, a last resort, or anywhere in between.
MEET YOUR OMBUDS
Kevin Coonrod, JD
University Ombuds – kcc0024@auburn.edu
Mr. Coonrod is a frequent speaker on conflict resolution topics, where he enjoys conveying his confidence in the ability of people to resolve their own conflicts through creativity and self-empowerment.
Coonrod is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds,. He is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner and a member of the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster.
Coonrod comes to Auburn from the Pacific Northwest, where he received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington and his juris doctorate from the University of Idaho College of Law.
Dr. Yarbrough has worked in higher education for 20+ years as a scholar, teacher, academic affairs administrator, student affairs administrator, complaint investigator, and leader of departments and initiatives promoting leadership, inclusivity, engagement, and belonging.
Previously the Ombuds for Students at Emory University, Yarbrough is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds. She has training and experience in dispute resolution techniques and is a registered neutral (mediator) with the State of Georgia.
Yarbrough enjoys helping people resolve conflicts and issues, improve their communication and leadership skills, and lead more fulfilling lives. Originally from Mississippi and Florida, she received her PhD in English from the University of Virginia. Her teaching experience in writing, public speaking, literature, and cultural studies informs her ombuds practice.
The proud daughter and granddaughter of public school teachers, she believes passionately in the power of public education to positively transform people and the world.
Dona Yarbrough, PHD
Associate University Ombuds – dly0010@auburn.edu
What Guides Us
The University Ombuds Office operates under the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association. These standards require the Auburn University Ombuds Office to be confidential, to function independently within the organization, to be impartial, and to decline participation in formal processes. The fundamental principles of confidentiality, independence, informality, and impartiality are core to our work.
Confidentiality
The ombudspersons hold all communications with those seeking assistance in the strictest confidence allowed by law. The identity of visitors and the substance of concerns raised will not be shared without consent. This commitment to confidentiality is unwavering; the only exception occurs where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm and where there is no other reasonable option.
Independence
The Ombuds Office is independent of the university administration in structure, function, and appearance. The office reports to the Associate Vice President for Administrative Effectiveness for administrative purposes only and has access to executive administrators to convey perceived issues and trends on campus. The ombudspersons do not keep records for the University and will only furnish anonymous aggregate statistical data in annual reports.
Informality
The ombudspersons do not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure or investigations, issue findings, or make or overturn administrative decisions. Contact with the ombudsperson is totally voluntary and not a required step in any AU grievance process or university procedure.
Impartiality
The ombudspersons impartially consider the interests of all parties involved in a situation to assist the parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements that are fair, equitable, and consistent with the mission and policies of Auburn University. The ombudspersons will not serve as advocates for the university or an individual.
FAQs
When should I contact the AU Ombuds Office?
There are many circumstances under which people can benefit from an “off the record” conversation with someone knowledgeable about Auburn University and its policies. Topics you may want to discuss could involve conflicts with co-workers or supervisors; communication problems; concerns about job status and work environment; and questions about what options are available for handling a problem according to AU policy. Or, you may wish to learn what resources are available to you, request a reality check, or request information about the rights and responsibilities of all parties. Topics might include:
- Interpersonal difficulties with colleagues, subordinates, or supervisors
- Departmental and interdepartmental conflicts
- Preparing for a difficult conversation
- Harassment or discrimination
- Violations of university policy
- Workplace disputes
- Bureaucratic frustrations
- Retaliation
- Formal processes and procedures
- Ethical dilemmas
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Conflicts of interest
- Disciplinary actions
- Research misconduct
- Incivility or rudeness
- Health and safety concerns
- Unprofessional conduct
- Academic freedom and integrity
- Protecting your reputation
What does an ombuds do?
- Actively listen to your questions and concerns
- Offer information about Auburn University policies, procedures, and programs
- Discuss your concerns and clarify issues
- Help identify and evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem
- Gather information and offer referral to other resources when appropriate
- Advise you on steps to resolve a problem informally
- Facilitate communication indirectly or, when given permission, through serving as an impartial third party
- Work for collaborative agreements through negotiation or mediation
- Track perceived issues and trends
- Make recommendations for review of policies or procedures to appropriate bodies
What does an ombuds NOT do?
- Make decisions, findings of fact, or determine the “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrongdoing
- Establish, change, or set aside policies or administrative decisions
- Offer legal advice
- Offer psychological counseling
- Participate in grievances or other formal processes
- Serve as an agent of notice for Auburn University
- Serve as an advocate for any individual
How does informal mediation work?
In our office, a mediation is a conversation between two or more people facilitated by an impartial person (an ombuds) who has no stake in the conflict. Participation in mediation is entirely voluntary for all parties involved, including the ombuds, and anyone can end a mediation at any time. The ombuds will maintain confidentiality before, during, and after the mediation.
Typically, the ombuds will meet separately with all individuals before deciding if informal mediation is appropriate. In mediation, people meet face-to-face to listen to each other, express their needs and wants, and develop a plan to resolve their issues. Depending on the situation, the ombuds may ask each side to talk about why they’re here, ask questions, identify and discuss the parties’ interests, help brainstorm options for solving or mitigating the problem, or stay out of the way if the conversation seems productive.
The ombuds are impartial and do not render an opinion on whether either party is right or wrong. We have no authority to bind parties to an agreement. We are present to help the conversation be productive and ensure everyone has an opportunity to express their thoughts. The process is self-determinative, and any agreement will be created and entered into by the parties themselves.
Whether a mediation is fruitful ultimately depends on the people in conflict. The chance of success is high if they
- come in good faith,
- are willing to listen to each other respectfully,
- consider all offers of resolution thoughtfully,
- put themselves in the shoes of the other party,
- compromise or jointly create a win-win solution, and
- follow through on their commitments.
Mission Statement
The Office of the Ombudsperson assists all members of the Auburn University community navigate through difficult situations encountered at the University. The Ombudsperson is responsible to the principles of independence, neutrality, confidentiality and informality, as well as the values and mission of Auburn University. Every visitor to the Ombuds office is treated with respect, dignity and honor.
Links
- AA/EEO Office
- Academic Links
- Administrative & Professional Assembly
- AU Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Faculty Handbook
- Formal Resources for Work Related Problems
- Human Resources
- Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy
- Office of the President
- Payroll and Benefits
- Provost’s Office
- Department of Campus Safety and Security
- Risk Management and Safety
- Title IX Office
- Human Resources Development
- University Organizational Chart
- University Senate
- University Staff Council
- Graduate School
- Department of Student Affairs
- Student Counseling and Psychological Services
Reports & Resources
Office Reports
- IOA Uniform Reporting Categories
- 2019-2020 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2018-2019 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2017-2018 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2016-2017 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2015-2016 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2014-2015 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2013-2014 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2011-2012 Ombuds Office Annual Report
- 2011-12 Ombuds Report: Executive Summary
Office Charter
Educational Outreach
