SOS Standards of Practice

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Ombudsman Ethical Principles*

Confidentiality
The Ombudsman holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm to student and/or others.

Independence
The Ombudsman is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within Northern Virginia Community College.

Informality
The Ombudsman, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to the Ombud’s attention.

Neutrality and Impartiality
The Ombudsman, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial.  The Ombudsman strives to promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of practices, processes, and policies. The Ombudsman does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.

*Adapted from the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Code of Ethics