University Ombuds Office expanded to assist staff
The University Ombuds Office is now available to all UTHealth Houston classified and A&P staff.
Since its initiation in 2019, the University Ombuds Office (previously known as the Office of Academic Ombuds) has been a confidential resource available to the academic community at UTHealth Houston, including faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical graduates.
Recently, the University Classified Staff Council (UCSC) was approached with a critical need for independent, confidential services that were already available to the UTHealth Houston academic community through the existing ombuds office. As a result, and with support from university leadership, the office expanded its services to support all members of the university community — all students, faculty, trainees, and staff at all campus locations, schools, and affiliates may request assistance.
What is the University Ombuds Office?
The University Ombuds Office is a confidential, informal, independent, and neutral place to discuss concerns, resolve disputes, manage conflicts, and increase skills regarding communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
The ombuds may serve as an intermediary, mediator, facilitator, coach, or simply as a listener. Another function is to make recommendations for the general improvement of UTHealth Houston and provide feedback on trends, issues, policies, practices, and procedures while maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of visitors.
Communication with the ombuds is not considered official notice to the university, nor does it replace any formal reporting channels, like formal complaints or grievances. The ombuds is neutral, and therefore does not serve as an advocate for any individual or entity.
Robin Dickey, PhD, MA, LPC-S, ACC, NBC-HWC, serves as university ombuds. Dickey earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas Wesleyan University, and PhD in integrative medicine and health sciences from Saybrook University, joining UTHealth Houston’s Faculty Assistance Program in 2016. She is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and practices according to the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Learn more about the services of the University Ombuds Office and meet the university ombuds. Please call or email to discuss an issue or schedule a meeting with the university ombuds. The office can be reached at 713-500-3457, through a confidential mobile phone at 713-705-5005. Representatives can also be reached through email at [email protected], but please do not send confidential information via email as it could be subject to open records requests.