Our mission is to provide the highest quality, client-focused services for preventing, managing and resolving conflict among students, staff and faculty of this University. Through active participation in the mediation process, clients develop competencies for preventing, managing and resolving future conflict.

University of Washington Ombudsman

Susan L. Neff, M.Ed.

General email: ombuds@u.washington.edu

History of Ombudsing

The first "Ombudsman" was established by the Swedish legislature in 1809 to respond to public complaints against government actions. Other countries using ombudsmen include Finland (1919), New Zealand (1962), and Britain (1967). Universities in the United States began appointing ombudsmen in the 1960s in response to the student protest movement and as a way to better adapt to the growing diversity of needs and concerns within university communities.

Among the initial universities to establish an Ombudsman's Office, the University of Washington appointed its first Ombudsman in 1969. The Office of the Ombudsman was not intended to displace existing University governance or appeal procedures. The purpose was to improve communications regarding University operations and to enable members of the University community to protect their rights and have their concerns responded to efficiently and effectively.

In 1979, this University became the first higher education institution in the nation to establish the office of Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment. All programs and services are designed for faculty, staff, students, alumni, visitors and others who use the University's facilities and services.