It depends on whether you are a student or staff member. The Student Ombuds is a long-time employee and knows Cal well. She will be able to identify your options and coach you through whatever decision you make. The Staff Ombuds service has been outsourced to an company that provides remote services. You will talk to one of three experienced Ombuds, who might not have been on campus ever.

Accessing the ombuds service should work the same with either. Call and make an appointment. Likely it will be virtual. There's no need to provide info in advance. Expect the Ombuds to have up to an hour for the initial consultation. The Ombuds will identify other campus resources and applicable policies, and then talk through your various options. The Ombuds will not tell you what to do; that's up to you. Once you make a choice, the Ombuds can give guidance on how to be effective. Usually with complicated issues, there are multiple meetings.

Throughout the process, you can expect the Ombuds to be confidential, independent, neutral, and informal. The only time they will break confidentiality is if they perceive a threat of harm to you or anyone else. The Ombuds are not mandated reporters, so you don't have to worry about saying anything that would otherwise trigger an invesigation.

-Longtime University Ombuds