Welcome to the Office of the Ombudsperson

Need to talk about a workplace issue? Not sure what to do? The Amherst College ombudsperson is on staff specifically to provide completely confidential workplace counseling to staff and faculty on many different issues and situations. The ombudsperson can help you with challenges such as:

  • Conflict with a colleague or supervisor
  • The need to have a “difficult conversation”
  • Any situation that you are unsure how to handle

No concern or conflict is too little or big to help you with. You may bring any concerns that you feel need attention, and the ombudsperson will work with you to develop options for addressing them.


The Office Is Located in Valentine Hall

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a student walking on a path to Valentine Hall, a brick building with white windows

The ombudsperson’s office is located in 117 Valentine Hall, near the rear entrance of the building. Office Hours are:

  • Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
    other times by arrangement.

Appointments best made by email to Larry Hunt, Amherst College Ombudsperson, at lhunt@amherst.edu.


An outline of Mount Holyoke in the distance with fog and trees in the foreground

Be Prepared

Learn more about what you can expect when speaking with the ombudsperson and review some examples of issues you might discuss when you meet so you can be fully prepared.

A Message from Amherst’s Ombudsperson

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A photo of Larry Hunt

If you are stressed out and highly challenged by a situation at work, you may not feel confident and trusting that anyone can really understand or help you. I acknowledge that it can be hard to reach out to someone you don’t know and don’t yet have reasons to trust. I sometimes hear from people that they’ve been intending to get in touch with me for months before they did so.

All of our discussions will be confidential, informal, and relaxed. You’ll also see that I take the time needed to understand your issues. Together, we will develop a course of action you can take.

If you think this could be helpful, please call 413-542-5156.

Please visit my About page to learn more about me and my background.

Larry Hunt
Amherst College Ombudsperson