Office of the Ombudsman
Office of the Ombudsman Welcomes You!
The Office of the Ombudsman provides Houston Community College (HCC) faculty and staff with an informal mechanism for resolving workplace conflicts and addressing questions and concerns related to their employment with the institution. To ensure the highest quality and most effective services, the Office of the Ombudsman is independent, neutral, and maintains confidentiality. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
Michael Edwards, J.D.
Dr. Michael Edwards, who has served Houston Community College for the past 30 years in a variety of key leadership capacities will engage with all parties fairly, foster constructive dialogue, and address concerns with the utmost discretion and effectiveness. His strong interpersonal skills and commitment to resolution will contribute to the success of the Ombudsman role.
Dr. Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and legal studies from Rice University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Texas. He is a graduate from the American Association of Community Colleges Future Leaders Institute and the HCC Leadership Excellence Institute. He is also a member of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA).
The Ombudsman Does:
The Ombudsman strives to promote fairness and foster a positive work environment by offering several mechanisms for early conflict resolution and problem-solving including:
- Listening to faculty and staff members’ concerns and complaints regarding workplace and employment issues
- Providing information and assistance in accessing and interpreting University policies and procedures
- Making referrals to appropriate institutional resources
- Helping faculty and staff analyze complaints by identifying issues and outlining available options
- Coaching faculty and staff in addressing and managing conflict
- Facilitating communication and mediating conflict between disputing parties
- Reviewing and analyzing trends in concerns and complaints
- Making recommendations to the Chancellor regarding changes to HCC policies and procedures that may eliminate or reduce recurring workplace problems, enhance the effectiveness of institutional resources, or increase the quality of work life for all employees
The Ombudsman Does Not:
Because of the informal, neutral, and confidential nature of ombuds services, the ombudsman does not:
- Represent faculty or staff in any formal hearings, processes, or procedures
- Engage in administrative decisions
- Determine the merits of a faculty or staff member’s complaint
- Conduct formal investigations
- Provide legal representation or advice
- Provide psychological counseling
NOTE: The Ombudsman does not address allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Any allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct must be filed with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX in accordance with current HCC policy.
Dr. Edwards, as a member of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA), in providing ombuds services, adheres to the IOA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which highlight confidentiality, neutrality, informality, and independence as core values.
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 when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
Neutrality
The ombudsman, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The ombudsperson does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest.
Informality
The ombudsman, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to her attention.
Independence
The ombudsman is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.
Contact Us
Office of the Ombudsman
Request an Appointment:
If you request an appointment using email and only to initiate a meeting with the Ombudsman, please refrain from including any confidential information in your email. Details about your specific concern will be discussed during a confidential meeting.
Conversations with the Ombudsman are voluntary, confidential and informal. The Office of the Ombudsman is not authorized to receive notice of claims against the institution; by using our voluntary services, you agree not to record our confidential conversation or call members of the office to testify in a court of law.