The Staff Ombuds Office is an informal, confidential and neutral resource for exempt
and non-exempt employees of University of South Carolina Columbia.
The Role of the Staff Ombuds The Staff Ombuds, Robynn Pease , is a trained mediator who is available face-to-face, via phone or virtual meetings.
The Staff Ombuds does not serve as an advocate for an individual, but does advocate
for fair, equitable administrative processes.
An Impartial, Fair and Objective Resource
The ombuds is a member in good standing of the International Ombuds Association and operates within the association’s established codes for Professionalism & Ethics .
The ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so.
The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is when such a disclosure
is required by law or where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
The ombuds, as a designated neutral , remains unaligned and impartial and does not engage in any situation that could
create a conflict of interest.
The ombuds is an informal resource who does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure
related to concerns brought to the ombuds' attention.
The ombuds is independent in structure, function and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization.
Services Provided
Listens to concerns
Helps clarify issues
Facilitates conversations between individuals
Helps explore options and resources for resolution
Refers to appropriate places for making formal notice
Offers presentations on conflict management and conflict-free communication
The Staff Ombuds is not an office of notice or a mandated reporter except when required
by law.
To Schedule Contact Robynn Pease, USC Staff Ombuds, by phone at 803-777-8342 or email rpease@mailbox.sc.edu . Limit any message to help prevent sharing of confidential information.
Students, faculty and staff can connect with a range of university offices or resources
to assist with the resolution of questions, concerns or conflicts.
Resources »
