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Course Terms, Conditions, and Policies

Prerequisites

Each course will list the prerequisites for that course. The prerequisites have been determined by the instructors so that the majority of course attendees are on the same level of understanding and knowledge.

Maximum Attendance

Each IOA course lists the maximum number of attendees per course and will be adhered to. In order to present a quality Professional Development session, the instructors have set the maximum number to ensure you receive the full benefit of the materials. We ask that you do not make your hotel reservations or travel plans until you have received a confirmation from the office that you are registered for the course. On-site registrations are not accepted. IOA will maintain a 'Wait List' if a course reaches the maximum enrollment. 'Wait List' registrants are admitted on a first-come-first-served basis and will be kept apprised of their status.

Method of Payment

Checks or money orders should be in United States funds, payable to the International Ombuds Association. Credit cards are accepted. Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) may be accepted on a case-by-case basis; please contact the IOA office if you need to submit payment electronically. Note: Your registration cannot be confirmed until payment is received.

Dress Code

Business or Business Casual. If you are attending an in-person event, we recommend you dress in layers, bringing a sweater or light jacket as rooms may be cold.

Certificates of Completion

Any person who does not complete the entire Professional Development course will not be issued a certificate. You may request to make up the missed sections for Foundations or Core courses. A make-up course must be taken within one year of the original course. 

Cancellation Policy/Refunds

Notification of cancellation for IOA events must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. Cancellations received at least four weeks in advance of the event will be refunded, less a $75 USD cancellation fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations received less than four weeks from the start of the event. Substitutions can be made at any time, so long as both attendees are of the same registration type.

Note: IOA will not be responsible for the safekeeping of equipment, supplies, written material, or other valuable items left in a function room or guest room.

Subject to Change or Cancellation

All IOA Courses are subject to change and/or cancellation. We ask that you do not make your hotel reservations or travel plans until you have received a confirmation from the office that you are registered for the course. If you do not receive a confirmation either in the mail or via email please contact the administrative office to check the status of your registration. Course agendas are constantly being updated by the instructors to ensure that the most current materials are presented. If pre-registration attendance is below half of the maximum attendance, instructors may cancel the course.

Nonpayment Policy

Full payment of registration fees is required before the start of the course. If full payment has not been remitted by four weeks prior to the start of the course, the registration may be canceled and the spot will be released to the next registrant on the waiting list. The IOA office will contact registered individuals with a balance due before canceling their registration. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected] or by phone at +1-206-209-5275.

Technical Failure Policy for Virtual Courses

It is the responsibility of the registrant to confirm system requirements and test their computers prior to the start of each virtual session. If a technical failure is the fault of the service provider and the session is not able to be broadcast as planned, IOA reserves the right to reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, IOA is not responsible for refunding the participant or providing applicable PDH hours.

Virtual Session Recording Release

Each virtual session may be recorded, including chat transcripts. These recordings may be provided for later viewing and may be used for promotional purposes, advertising, and other print and online materials at the sole discretion of IOA. By registering for a virtual session you consent to be recorded by IOA when attending live sessions.

Code of Conduct

IOA events are community events intended for education, networking, and collaboration. We value the participation of everyone and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees throughout all events hosted in the IOA  space. To make clear what is expected, all attendees, speakers, organizers, and volunteers at any virtual event are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. In registering for and/or participating in this event, you consent to comply with the following Code of Conduct. Examples of encouraged behavior that contributes to a positive environment include:

  • Using welcoming and inclusive language
  • Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
  • Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
  • Focusing on what is best for everyone at the event
  • Showing empathy toward other participants

We do not tolerate the following:

  • Harassment, bullying, and intimidation
  • Harassment and bullying are defined as:
    • Negative comments about race/ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, physical appearance, citizenship, or other protected categories
    • Intimidation or threats, including sharing images or text especially to threaten
    • Unwelcome sexual attention, including sharing images or text especially to sexually harass
    • Threatening or other endangerment of minors or any persons
    • Any activity meant to convey or cultivate hostility
    • Ad hominem insults or other attacks
    • Encouraging the above behavior

Ombuds Terminology

The term “ombudsman” may be used during this event, the term ombudsman is used to communicate to the widest possible community and is not intended to discourage others from using alternatives. IOA respectfully acknowledges that many practitioners use alternative forms of this word.

Ethics & Standards of Practice

The organizational ombuds is mindful of the Standards of Practice and the IOA Code of Ethics. An Ombuds should not use the names of individuals or mention their employers without express permission. The ombuds, as a designated neutral, has the responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to their attention unless given permission to do otherwise. The ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence except in the presence of an imminent threat of serious harm. We hold these principles to be essential in all professional discussions including those at the conference.

Consent to Receive Communications from IOA

Registering/attending an IOA event constitutes consent for the IOA to communicate with you via fax, email, mail, text messaging, instant messaging, and social media to make you aware of products and services.

Disclaimer

While these programs are designed to provide accurate information regarding the subject matter covered, the views, opinions, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and speakers, not the IOA. By producing publications and sponsorship of this event, the association does not guarantee the accuracy of the information disseminated and is not engaged in rendering professional advice; if such advice is desired, you should seek the services of a competent professional.

Antitrust Compliance

It is the undeviating policy of IOA to comply strictly with the letter and spirit of all federal, state, and applicable international trade regulations and antitrust laws.

Any activities of IOA or IOA-related actions of its officers, Executive Committee members, or members that violate these regulations and laws are detrimental to the interests of IOA and are unequivocally contrary to IOA policy.

Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the IOA website, such as presentations, algorithms, program code, text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is the property of the speaker or its suppliers and is not to be used for personal gain, publication, and cannot be used without referencing the speaker and the source of the information. As property of the speaker or its suppliers, it also cannot be used by others to obtain a patent or claim royalties.

 

COVID Safety Guidelines & Assumption of Risk

By registering for an in-person IOA event, attendees understand that IOA cannot prevent them from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while attending this course. Furthermore, attendees understand that by choosing to attend this course, they may be exposing themselves to and/or increasing their risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

IOA will be following all current CDC guidelines for large gatherings. Additionally, all attendees & guests will be subject to all venue rules and regulations in place at the time of the event. By registering for an in-person IOA event, you are agreeing to abide by all safety protocols set forth by the meeting organizers. If you are found to be in violation of the guidelines and IOA feels your behavior is putting other attendees at risk, you may be asked to leave. If you are asked to leave, IOA reserves the right to determine your eligibility for a refund. We appreciate your compliance with this policy to ensure the safety of all IOA guests at the event.

Additionally, you will be asked to attest to your health status onsite, prior to participating in the IOA event. If you are not willing to complete this health questionnaire or your responses indicate that you may be at risk for spreading the virus, IOA reserves the right to determine your eligibility for a refund.

Travel Regulations for Non-US Attendees

Effective January 20, 2020, inbound travelers to the United States from Visa Waiver Program countries may be denied boarding by the airlines if they have not complied with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. Learn more

Contact Us

International Ombuds Association (IOA)

2150 N 107th St, Ste 205
Seattle, WA 98133 USA

Phone: +1-206-209-5275

Email: [email protected]