![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5efa25f65bb2115dbd454d9f/1594325633595-TYBS1RXEI9UWELLOM9TU/ombuds-header.gif)
Ombuds Program
at Columbia Theological Seminary
The Office of the Ombudsperson provides confidential and informal assistance for conflict resolution. The Program works within the parameters of the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Discrimination (EOHD) policy.
Serving as a designated neutral mediator, the Ombudsperson advocates for fairness rather than serving as an advocate for any individual or the interests of the organization. The Ombudsperson assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations and/or will refer constituents to applicable information, services, or human resources as needed to answer an individual's questions and assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations.
This office supplements, but does not replace, the institution's existing resources for formal reporting of complaints and dispute resolution through the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Report Team (EDIRT) and other oversight committees of the seminary.
Dr. Marcia Riggs, Ombudsperson
Dr. Riggs is available to assist any and all members of the Columbia community, either as individuals or a group.
Conflict Coaching
Facilitated Conversations
Transformative Mediation
Workshops