Welcome

Our mission is to provide the highest quality, client-focused services for preventing, managing and resolving conflict among students, staff, and faculty of this University. Through active participation in the mediation process, clients develop competencies for preventing, managing, and resolving future conflict.

University of Washington

Interim Ombudsman
Interim Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment

Susan L. Neff, M.Ed.

Seattle Campus

301 HUB
Box 352238
Seattle, Washington, 98195
Phone: (206) 543-6028
Fax: (206) 685-6816
TTY: (206) 616-6163

Tacoma Campus

GWP - 426
1900 Commerce St.
Box 352238
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 692-4476
Fax: (206) 685-6816

Hours:

In Seattle: Weekdays, 9am-4pm and by appointment
In Tacoma: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment

History of Ombudsing

The first "Ombudsman" was established by the Swedish legislature in 1809 to respond to public complaints against government actions. Other countries using ombudsmen include Finland (1919), New Zealand (1962), and Britain (1967). Universities in the United States began appointing ombudsmen in the 1960s in response to the student protest movement and as a way to better adapt to the growing diversity of needs and concerns within university communities.

Among the initial universities to establish an Ombudsman's Office, the University of Washington appointed its first Ombudsman in 1969. The Office of the Ombudsman was not intended to displace existing University governance or appeal procedures. The purpose was to improve communications regarding University operations and to enable members of the University community to protect their rights and have their concerns responded to efficiently and effectively.

In 1979 this University became the first higher education institution in the nation to establish the office of Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment. All programs and services are designed for faculty, staff, students, alumni, visitors, and others who use the University's facilities and services.

top