Office of the Faculty Ombuds Exceptions to Confidentiality

  1. Threat of Serious Harm
    The Faculty Ombuds may disclose information about a visit or visitor if the Ombuds believes there is a threat of serious harm to that visitor or another person.
     
  2. As Required by University Policy or State or Federal Law
     
    1. Title IX
      Kent State University policy states that almost all employees, including the Faculty Ombuds, are mandatory reporters for purposes of Title IX.

      The Faculty Ombuds MUST report any instance of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking to the Title IX Coordinator and in the case of sexual assault, to the police.
       
    2. Fraud
      If the Ombuds becomes aware of actual or suspected fraud or fiscal abuse, the Ombuds MUST report such activity to the appropriate authority pursuant to section 124.341 of the Ohio Revised Code.
       
    3. Ohio Felony Reporting
      Ohio law requires that most people who know that a felony has been or is being committed report the crime to law enforcement. The Faculty Ombuds is bound by this law and if they become aware of a felony MUST report it to the police.
       
    4. Hazing
      Pursuant to university policy, the Ombuds may be required to report hazing if the Ombuds becomes aware of such activity.
       
    5. Ohio Public Records Request
      In general, the Ombuds does not keep records of the content of visits. However, the university or other entities may keep records of phone calls, emails, communication through Microsoft Teams, and other forms of communication and these may be subject to public records requests.
       
    6. Subpoenas and Other Court Orders
      The Ombuds may be required to testify about the content of a visit in a formal proceeding if compelled to do so by law or court order.
0
0
© 2024 Kent State University All rights reserved.