The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Office of Ombuds Services operates under the principles of the International Ombuds Association (https://ioa.memberclicks.net/standards-of-practice-code-of-ethics), including the core values of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality. The ombuds is a purely voluntary resource for you; you choose when you want to work with us. This means that you may share information with the ombuds without initiating any formal university process. The ombuds does not routinely keep records of information that you share. When you decide to work with an ombuds, you agree to the principles under which the Office operates. This means that the Ombuds will not appear as a witness in a proceeding internal to the university. Statements made or information provided to a member of the ombuds office do not constitute notice to the university of any potential claim or concern.