About Our Office

Established in 2024, the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Ombuds Office provides a confidential, unbiased place for all students and postdoctoral fellows in the schools of the health sciences to voice concerns, seek guidance and explore options to resolve any conflicts that arise.

Mission Statement

The Ombuds Office at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences provides confidential, impartial and independent assistance to all students and postdoctoral fellows. Our mission is to promote transparent communication, proactively address concerns and ensure that every individual’s concerns are genuinely considered and respected. We aim to cultivate a culture of respect, collaboration and understanding and advocate for fair policies and procedures.

What Actions Are Ombuds Unable to Make?

Conduct formal investigations
Ombuds do not gather evidence or determine guilt, responsibility or fault.

Participate in or influence formal grievance or disciplinary procedures
They remain outside of official complaint, human resources or legal processes.

Serve as an advocate for any party
Ombuds remain impartial and do not take sides.

Make binding decisions or mandates
They have no authority to impose outcomes or enforce solutions.

Keep formal records
To maintain confidentiality, ombuds do not maintain records that identify visitors to the office.

Testify or serve as a witness in legal or administrative proceedings
Ombuds cannot be compelled to share information without permission.

Provide legal advice
While they can offer information about policies or resources, they do not offer legal counsel.

Address issues outside the scope of the institution or their designated constituency
For example, they cannot intervene in matters unrelated to the university or outside their service population.