A confidential place to go with your questions and concerns.

Confidential. Neutral. Informal. Independent. The Office of the Ombuds helps University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) faculty and staff express concerns, resolve disputes, manage conflict, seek fair and equitable solutions, and learn more productive ways of communicating.

OMBUDS OFFICE & CORONAVIRUS

The Office of the Ombuds is operating under the University’s policies intended to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining operations to the fullest extent possible. This measure is intended to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and is in effect for an indefinite period. 

The Ombuds Officer will be available to all members of the UMB community during this state of emergency.  Upon scheduling an appointment, the Ombuds will discuss the meeting form and format that best meets your needs while honoring the University's efforts to manage the risk of spreading of COVID-19.

To schedule a virtual meeting with the Ombudsman, please email Brian Godette at bgodette@umaryland.edu.

Visit the Office of the Ombuds
  • When you need someone to listen
  • When you have an uncomfortable situation at work that is bothering you
  • When you need help clarifying or resolving a conflict
  • When you feel you have been treated unfairly, harassed, or discriminated against
  • When you think someone you work with has engaged in misconduct or done something unethical
  • When you are unsure about a UMB policy or you believe it has been applied unfairly
  • When you don’t know where else to turn

Important note: The ombudsperson is not authorized to accept notice of claims against the University.

About the Ombudsperson

‌‌Brian O. Godette, JD, has more than 27 years of experience in government and private practice law. He received his juris doctorate degree from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vt. He also is a member of the International Ombudsman Association.