Lewis & Clark College Launches Ombuds Office

The small private, independent, liberal arts college in Portland, introduced a pilot Ombuds program in April. According to Lewis & Clark's president Tom Hochstettler, the project was recommended by an all-campus diversity committee, which identified the need for a resource for campus members who do not feel comfortable talking with administrative staff about sensitive interpersonal and professional matters. The new Ombuds office is staffed by former Associate Dean of the Graduate School Valerie White, who has taken training from the International Ombudsman Association. The progam will be staffed half time and operate on a pilot basis for several months, pending an evaluation by the college's Executive Council. (President's Announcement; Ombuds Homepage.)