Office of Interactive Communication & Empowerment
For Spring/Summer of 2021 the University Ombuds Office will be offering, by appointment, in-person appointments to Virginia Tech community members. To find out more about how COVID-19 impacts our Ombuds operations please click here. Additionally, phone or video-conferencing options are still available as we collectively navigate through COVID-19. To schedule an appointment please email us at Ombuds@vt.edu or you can call and leave a message at 540-231-3125.
"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 Program, 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.
Confidentiality · Informality · Neutrality · 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.
On the Blog
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Hanlon's Razor , articleWhy the intent of others is worth exploring.
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Creating LUCK in Communications , articleLearning to Listen to Understand & Create Kinship.
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The Relationship You Deserve , articleLearn about four commitment pillars of relationships.
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Bridge Building: Speaking the Unspoken with Civility , articleFinding a healthy way to talk politics.
Connect with the Ombuds Office
With many ways to reach out, we look forward to hearing from you!