164 Longwood Avenue, 1st Floor
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617-432-4041 (confidential line) or ombuds_longwood@hms.harvard.edu
Web: https://harvardombuds.harvard.edu (includes self-help resources)
Call to schedule a Zoom, phone or in-person appointment
Melissa Brodrick, Ombuds
Tel: 617-432-4040 (confidential line)
Email: melissa_brodrick@hms.harvard.edu
Lisa Neale, Ombuds
Tel: 617-432-4043 (confidential line)
Email: lisa_neale@hms.harvard.edu
The two Ombuds who serve the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine provide impartial assistance to students, faculty, staff, trainees, and appointees at the affiliated institutions whose concerns are affecting their work or studies. The Ombuds Office offers a highly confidential, independent, and informal forum in which to help visitors to clarify their concerns, identify their goals, and consider all of their options in managing or resolving their situations. An ombuds does not serve as an advocate for any party in a dispute, but does advocate for fair treatment and processes. An ombuds provides coaching in written and verbal communications, informal mediation, meeting facilitation, shuttle diplomacy, upward feedback, and information about policies/procedures and resources. Some typical concerns brought to the Ombuds Office include work/academic environment and performance, research-related concerns, harassment and discrimination, illness and disability, and policies and requirements. Any issue may be brought to an ombuds.
The Ombuds Office seeks to enhance the ability of all students to deal more effectively with challenging situations on their own. If a student requires assistance beyond individual coaching, the Ombuds Office can – with the permission of the student – gather further information about policies, procedures, or resources; make referrals to those with expertise in a specific area; or bring concerns forward to others at the school or affiliated institution. The student decides which course of action, if any, they want to take and that action is tailored to fit each situation.
