The Ombuds Office follows the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombuds Association, which serve as the foundation for the office’s Guiding Principles. The Brown University Ombuds Office is a voluntary program established on these Guiding Principles. No one is required to use the office, but if they do, they will be understood to have agreed to abide by these principles and the University Ombuds Office Charter, and not call the University Ombuds or anyone from the Office to testify or produce documents relating to confidential communications in any legal, administrative, or other proceeding. The University has also agreed not to call the University Ombuds or anyone from the Office to testify or produce documents relating to confidential communications in any such proceedings. Additionally, the Ombuds Office is not authorized to accept notice or formal complaints on behalf of the University.