University of Waterloo Ombuds Sets Conduct Standards for Visitors

Whitney Barrett, the recently appointed Ombudsperson for Waterloo, has published guidelines for visitors. A new webpage outlines expectations for respectful communication and behavior. Visitors who do not follow the guidance, may be cut off from Ombuds services. 

The website says:

Unreasonable Conduct 

Unreasonable or abusive conduct includes: 

• Threats or attempts to intimidate staff in the Ombuds Office 
• Degrading, obscene, vulgar, sexually suggestive, or threatening language, or other forms of conduct that seeks to demean, humiliate, or embarrass 
• Discriminatory comments 
• Requests for personal contact or other information unrelated to the complaint; this includes the requests for personal photos, contact through social media, or requests to contact outside the University 
• Undue aggression or hostility 
• Abusive use of the Ombuds Office; examples of abusive use include filing repetitive complaints about the same issue, filing complaints or concerns under a different name, sending numerous communications about a complaint 

When a visitor exhibits unreasonable conduct 

Unreasonable conduct does not mean your concerns aren't valid, but unreasonable conduct can impact how you interact with the Ombuds Office. 

If a visitor demonstrates unreasonable conduct, the Ombudsperson will contact the individual to discuss their conduct and how the conduct is considered reasonable.

In this discussion, the individual will have a chance to address the behaviour and how they want to move forward with the Ombuds Office. 

After speaking with the Ombudsperson, if the behaviour continues, the individual will be given a written warning identifying the unreasonable behaviour, the agreement that was made with the Ombudsperson regarding ongoing contact with the Office, and how that agreement has been breached. The warning will provide alternative paths for support or guidance within the Ombuds Office, if available, and stress that continued unreasonable behaviour will result in the individual losing access to the Ombuds Office. 

NOTE: Terminating access to the Office is a last resort only considered after all reasonable efforts have been made by the Office to continue working with the individual in a safe and respectful manner. If there is a threat to safety for staff in the Office, Campus Safety will be contacted.

(UWaterloo Ombuds.)

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