Ombuds Referral Guide

Be a Bridge to Clarity & Confidence


The Ombuds Office is a safe, impartial and confidential space for anyone in the ÁùÉ«Íø community — students, faculty, staff and administrators — who feels stuck, uncertain or concerned about a challenging situation. Referring someone to the Ombuds can help them regain clarity and confidence without triggering formal processes or retaliation.

The Ombuds: 

  • Listens in confidence and without judgment 
  • Helps visitors clarify concerns and explore informal options 
  • Does not take sides or make decisions 
  • Does not trigger university action unless required by CSU regulations and policies 


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Encourage someone to consider the Ombuds Office if they: 

  • Seem stuck or overwhelmed by a conflict or concern. 
  • Do not know what steps to take — or fear retaliation for speaking up. 
  • Want to discuss an issue confidentially without triggering a formal process or creating a report. 
  • Need help navigating ÁùÉ«Íø or CSU processes or understanding their options. 
  • Are witnessing or experiencing a recurring problem and want perspective. 
  • Are witnessing a colleague or fellow student experiencing a recurring problem and want to help.

Helpful, enabling language might include: 

  • “You might try speaking with the Ombuds—they’re confidential and won’t take action unless you ask them to.” 
  • “They’re not part of HR or administration, so you stay in control of what happens next.” 
  • “Even if you just need to talk, they’re good at helping people sort through what’s going on.”

Avoid directive or language that might feel pressuring, such as: 

  • “You need to go to the Ombuds.” 
  • “They’ll fix this for you.” 
  • “I told them to contact you.” 

The Ombuds Office is not an official reporting channel and should be kept separate. If someone tells you about discrimination, harassment, or violence, you should also recommend appropriate campus reporting offices (such as Title IX or campus police). 

In some cases, the Ombuds may be required by CSU Regulations and Policies to report certain information — including names — if a visitor discusses incidents of: 

  • Sexual harassment or misconduct 
  • Dating or domestic violence 
  • Stalking 
  • Child abuse or imminent threats to safety 


Even in these situations, the Ombuds will: 

  • Clearly explain any reporting obligations before your friend or colleague begins to share anything 
  • Help the visitor decide how and when to share information 
  • Prioritize privacy and protection from retaliation 
  • Seek safe, non-retaliatory ways to bring concerns to the right people 
  • Continue working with the visitor, if they wish, to clarify options, reduce harm and regain a sense of agency 

You are not responsible for taking any further action. 

  • You won’t be told what happens unless the person wants to share. 
  • You are not required to report anything unless you hold a mandatory reporter role under CSU regulations or policies. 

Remember: Just suggesting the Ombuds is a way to show support — it lets someone know they are not alone and that you believe they can handle things with the right kind of help. 

Contact the Ombuds Office