Cal Maritime Ombuds Program

The Cal Maritime Ombuds Program enhances the university environment by providing an informal, confidential, neutral, and independent avenue for resolution of University-related concerns, conflicts, or disputes which are not covered by collective bargaining agreements or cadet regulations.  This voluntary program offers early availability for dispute-resolution outside of traditional formal grievance process.

A complete description of the program can be found here.

Disputes and concerns are heard by a Dispute Resolution Facilitator (DRF) who is an impartial, trained, full-time member of the campus community.  The role of a DRF is to listen, receive, and provide information to involved parties, provide informal facilitation between parties when requested, and such other functions normally within the purview of the Ombuds Program.

DRF:

• listens and is non-judgmental;

• respects the concerns of all sides and remains impartial;

• facilitates communication between individuals or groups;

• provides a safe and confidential place to talk – everything is confidential, to the extent allowed by law;

• answers questions and directs parties to appropriate resources;

• helps to objectively analyze the situation, and identify and evaluate options for resolution; and

• provides important feedback to management by reporting issues and trends while maintaining confidentiality.

All questions and requests for assistance should be directed to the AVP, University Affairs & Chief of Staff at 707-654-1788 or a DRF directly.