Office of Interactive Communication & Empowerment
Our office has moved, come see us in Burruss Hall:
800 Drillfield Drive, Suite 123D · Blacksburg, VA 24061
"Please take a moment to learn more about the Ombuds services available to you, especially if you are not sure where to turn for help. Over time, unresolved issues can become unhealthy, affecting your wellbeing, the success of your unit or department, and the strength of our community. Please consider reaching out while problems are still small, and respectful solutions are easier to achieve."
- President Tim Sands | READ MORE
What is the Ombuds Office?
You know how issues, disagreements and conflict naturally occur at any place where people learn and work - such as Virginia Tech? The Ombuds Office, officially named the Virginia Tech Office of Interactive Communication & Empowerment (VOICE), helps you navigate through that sea of conflict when it comes up. We offer tools, strategies and techniques that can help you go from where you are to where you want to be. If this is something valuable to you, reach out and we look forward to being of service. For a more in depth overview, watch this video: "What is an Ombuds?"
Confidentiality · Informality · Impartiality · Independence
Our Offering
One
Enhance the Virginia Tech experience
by providing individuals with a confidential space to speak freely and be listened to respectfully
Two
Provide coaching and Ombuds services
to help individuals navigate through the inevitable conflict challenges that come up in campus life and
Three
Encourage progress at the institutional level
by sharing with leadership aggregated information about issues of community concern.
Testimonials
"The confidentiality of this service was important to me. Honestly, my meeting with the Ombuds led to a SIGNIFICANTLY better workplace situation, which in turn improved my overall health and well-being. I wish you could understand the difference this ONE meeting made for me."
“It was an easy conversation. I felt comfortable speaking my mind, which takes a deal of trust & letting go. The Ombuds allowed me that security & freedom.”
“I really appreciate having this service on campus, and the confidentiality of the service is what makes it work. I strongly feel you have the perfect person in this Ombuds position who is able to relate a very diverse population of VT employees.”
On the Blog
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Preparing for the Unexpected , articleYou and I might not be world-class athletes, but there are many lessons we can adopt from Olympians and apply those in the workplace to achieve more consistent peak performance.
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Your Expectations Determine How You Experience Conflict: “Must” versus “Shoulds” , articleChallenges are part of the human condition. What creates conflict is in direct relation to your expectations. A critical factor that determines how we experience conflict is the distinction between “must” rules and “should” rules that we have for ourselves, and others. Read to learn more!
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Winter Beckons Us to Self-Reflect , articleAs winter descends upon us, we have ample opportunity to engage in self-reflection. Read about the benefits of the practice and some question prompts to help you get started this season.
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Overcoming Fear in Conflict , articleWhen we are in disagreement with someone, and we are in a state of fear, we tend to avoid, accommodate or amplify the conflict. At best, we compromise out of fear. Learn some strategies to combat this common response.
Connect with the Ombuds Office
With many ways to reach out, we look forward to hearing from you!
Or connect with us through social media