Independent

The WVU Faculty Ombudsperson Office operates independent of formal organizational structures.  While the Faculty Ombudsperson reports to the Office of the Provost, she/he has sole discretion over the design and operation of the office and sufficient funds to meet operating needs and to pursue continuing professional development.  University leadership does not control the activities of the Faculty Ombudsperson Office, and the Faculty Ombudsperson does not share confidential information, except when the Faculty Ombudsperson believes there is an imminent risk of serious harm or when the Faculty Ombudsperson is informed of child abuse.

The Faculty Ombudsperson is employed by West Virginia University, but does not represent the University administration or management in this role.  She/he also is employed as a tenured professor but will not take on responsibilities that might compromise independence, such as those requiring faculty evaluation or formal investigation.  The Faculty Ombudsperson Office will maintain a separate office, phone number, and email account from her/his faculty role.  The Faculty Ombudsperson will make every effort to keep the ombuds and faculty roles separate.