When to Contact the Ombuds Office

You should contact us if:

Topics You May Want to Discuss

• You are unsure of a Lehigh University policy or you believe a policy, procedure, or regulation has been applied unfairly and, if so, how.
• You want to discuss a situation confidentially with someone knowledgeable about Lehigh and its policies to decide whether you should take action and, if so, what to do.
• You want to learn what resources are available to you.
• You intend to file a formal complaint or appeal, but you would like guidance about the process; or you want another objective opinion of your case; or you want to try to resolve your dispute in an informal manner.
• You want to know what your alternatives are for resolving a problem.
• You are concerned about unfair treatment in the university environment or fear retaliation.
  • Interpersonal difficulties
  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Untangling a complicated situation
  • Violations of University policy
  • Workplace disputes
  • Bureaucratic runarounds
  • Ethical dilemmas
  • Cultural misunderstandings
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Appropriate ways to frame and discuss issues
  • Research misconduct
  • Incivility or rudeness
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Ways to make or seek an apology
  • Academic freedom
  • Protecting your reputation
  • Threats or retaliation
  • Formal processes for resolving issues