Are you having a problem getting the help you need? Sometimes figuring out who to contact is as frustrating as the issue itself! Reaching out to an ombuds may resolve that problem!
Here at the University of Colorado, ombuds are highly trained individuals who assist students, faculty, and staff work through unique and complex issues. Ombuds are confidential (with the exception of risk of physical harm), neutral/impartial, informal, independent and voluntary. People visit with ombuds to;
- Discuss concerns
- Explore options
- Brainstorm
- Consider different perspectives
- Reality check
- Weigh the pros and cons
- Navigate the system and its processes
- Identify or clarify policies and procedures
- Participate in facilitated conversations and informal mediations
- Strategize how to escalate concerns (if appropriate)
- Acquire the skills and tools to improve communication and interpersonal relationships.
Meeting with an ombuds is a safe and zero barrier, first step when contemplating if and how to address a concern or conflict.
But what if the ombuds is unable to help with a particular need such as obtaining legal advice or finding an advocate for issues outside of the university? When issues brought to the Ombuds Office is outside the scope of services provided and requires additional resources beyond the University of Colorado, the ombuds will do their best to refer you to the right place and help you navigate various available resources.
Here is a list of state and federal agencies that may be helpful:
LEGAL RESOURCES:
- Colorado Legal Services: www.coloradolegalservices.org
- 303-837-1313 (Denver)
- 303-449-7575 (Boulder)
- (719) 471-0380 (Colorado Springs)
- University of Denver Student Law Office: www.law.du.edu/clinics
- Colorado Bar Association: www.cobar.org
- 303-860-1115
- FindLaw: http://statelaws.findlaw.com/colorado-law/free-legal-aid-in-denver.html
STATE LEADERS:
- Governor Jared Polis: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/
- 303-866-2471
- Boulder Mayor: joness@bouldercolorado.gov
- 720-633-7388
- Colo Springs Mayor: https://coloradosprings.gov/mayors-office/page/mayor-suthers
- 719-385-5900
COLORADO’S MEMBERS OF CONGRESS:
Senators
- Senator Michael Bennet ,
- 202-224-5852 (DC)
- Contact Form and Office Information
- @SenatorBennet
- Senator Cory Gardner
- 202-224-5941(DC)
- Contact Form
- Office Information
- @SenCoryGardner
Representatives
Go to www.house.gov to look up your Representative by zip code.
- Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CD-1)
- 202-225-4431
- Contact Form
- Office Information
- @RepDianaDeGette
- District Map
- Congressman Joe Neguse (CD-2)
- Congressman Scott Tipton (CD-3)
- 202-225-4761
- Contact Form
- Office Information and District Map
- @RepTipton
- Congressman Ken Buck (CD-4)
- Congressman Doug Lamborn (CD-5)
- Congressman Jason Crow (CD-6)
- Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CD-7)
- 202-225-2645
- Contact Form
- Office Information
- @RepPerlmutter
- District Map
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Boulder Housing: https://boulderhousing.org/housing-authorities
- 720-564-4610
- Colo Springs Housing: https://boulderhousing.org/housing-authorities
- 719-387-6700
- Denver Housing Authority: http://www.denverhousing.org/Pages/default.aspx
- Colorado Crisis Services
- 844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255
- Violence Free Colorado Hotline
- 800-799-7233
- Colorado State Employees Assistance Program: https://www.colorado.gov/c-seap
- 303-866-4314
- Food Bank of the Rockies: https://www.foodbankrockies.org/
- 877-460-8504
By Melissa Connell, Ombuds Director, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus