Will the Ombuds maintain confidentiality of my communications?

Yes. Confidentiality is essential to the functioning of the Ombuds Office. We do not maintain identifying records. Communications with the Ombuds are made with the understanding that they are confidential and that the Ombuds will not testify with respect to confidential communications or participate in formal, grievance, or other legal proceedings. Consistent with the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the Ombuds Office also claims that these communications are privileged, with the privilege held by the Ombuds Office and not the visitor. The only exceptions to this confidentiality are when, during the course of communications with the Ombuds, permission is granted to the Ombuds to make disclosure and the Ombuds agrees to do so or, if the Ombuds determines that there is an imminent risk of serious harm.