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ABOUT THE OFFICE

The ombudsperson is a resource for informal, confidential, impartial and independent complaint-handling and conflict resolution. The services of the Ombuds Office are available to all Smith College students, staff, faculty and administrators. Upon request, the ombudsperson is also available to serve as a neutral observer and provide of impartial feedback at meetings of student groups, staff groups and academic departments in the interest of facilitating conflict resolution at the small group level.

You may contact the ombudsperson to discuss:

	information on college policy and procedures;
	concerns regarding equitable application of college policies;
	concerns regarding possible violations of the Smith College Civil Rights Policy;
	sexual harassment concerns;
	informal conflict resolution;
	mediation (facilitating dialogue between parties in conflict, facilitating mutually agreeable resolution of conflict);
	resolving conflicts through intervention (shuttle diplomacy);
	reality checks and handling extreme emotions;
	brainstorming on how to resolve a conflict on your own.

Conversations with the ombudsperson are held in confidence unless they involve the threat of serious harm to a person, or to Smith College as an institution. In such cases, the ombudsperson will strive to release the information in a manner that is consistent with maintaining confidentiality.

Please phone or e-mail for an appointment.
Adrianne R. Andrews, Ombudsperson
Phone: (413) 585-3358 Fax: (413) 585-3731
E-mail: ombuds@smith.edu (Please do not send confidential information.)

	“Thank you again for all your ‘grounding’ conversations. I have greatly appreciated each one.” (Staff member) “Thanks for taking the time to listen.” (Staff, various dates)

About the
Ombudsperson

Office Visits

Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures