Maybe AI Chatbots Won't Replace Ombuds

A new Stanford University computer science study critically examined the growing use of artificial intelligence for mental health therapy. (A poll in 2024, for example, found that 55% of young adults are comfortable talking about mental health concerns with a confidential AI chatbot.) The Stanford researchers, however, discovered that AI chatbots displayed dangerous tendencies to express stigma, encourage delusions and respond inappropriately in critical moments. This seems to confirm anecdotal stories about AI chatbots distorting reality. 

Ombuds Blog Poll: Should Ombuds Mediate Sexual Misconduct Cases?

The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights believes that colleges can use informal resolutions such as mediation to resolve Title IX complaints -- even those involving sexual assaults. Ombuds have emerged as an important resource for individuals participating in campus Title IX processes. What do you think?

Ombuds Blog Poll: What was the Top Story of 2016?

At the end of December, I posted my list of the ten most important news items about Organizational Ombuds last year.  I'd like to know what you thought. Please participate in the poll located in the right panel of the blog.  You may mark as many stories as you thought belonged on the list and add comments if there were any I missed entirely.  I'll post results after the poll closes.

IOA Members Vote to Change Bylaws

Members of the International Ombudsman Association have, for the first time, voted to update their bylaws to revise membership categories and restructure eligibility for Board service.  The vote culminates years of work by IOA leaders to make membership more inclusive while safeguarding professional standards.  Similar proposals have twice been rejected by the membership before this first-ever revision of the association's bylaws.  Here's the full announcement from IOA Board President, Reese Ramos:

Ombuds Blog Poll: IOA Bylaws Changes

On September 29, 2016, the Board of the International Ombudsman Association will convene a special meeting for members to vote on changes that would: 1. Change IOA's membership categories; and 2. Restructure the eligibility for the IOA Board of Directors.  Whether or not you are an IOA member, do you support the proposed changes to the IOA bylaws?

Your Turn: What Was the Ombuds Story of the 2014?

Dear Readers:
What do you think was most important story about Organizational Ombuds in 2014? Choose your top three stories in the poll in the right hand column or comment on this post.  I'll publish the results.

Here's a recap of my top ten:

Ombuds Case Numbers Grow at Northern Illinois University

In a report presented last week, NIU Ombuds Sarah Klaper said that 604 individuals who visited her office from May 2013 to May 2014, a 32% increase from the prior year.  In fact, Klaper said that the actual number of cases should be much higher.  “In my day-to-day work life, I talk with people as I go across campus,” Klaper said in the report. 

Northern Illinois University Updates Title IX Policy and Protects Disclosures to Ombuds

NIU has published revised "Title IX Policy and Procedures" for its 25,000 students and other members of the university community. The updated policy acknowledges the need for students and employees to seek confidential or anonymous assistance.  The NIU Ombuds Office is specifically identified as one of those resources.   

Northern Illinois University Ombuds Office Marks 45 Years

An open house on September 9, 2014, will celebrate the 45th anniversary of NIU's Office of the Ombudsperson.  Hosted by NIU Ombuds Sarah Klaper, the event will include remarks from NIU President Doug Baker.  The campus student center will offer a special display of the history of the Office of the Ombudsperson.  (NIU Today.)

Poll Results: 2013 Ombuds Story of the Year

Readers weighed in on what they thought was the top story about Organizational Ombuds last year.  They disagreed with me about the order and thought my #10 story should have been #1.

Reader Poll: What Was the Ombuds Story of 2013?

Dear Readers-

What do you think was the most important story of the year for Ombuds?  Use the poll in the right-hand column to vote for the three stories you thought were most important.  (Comments are also encouraged.)  Thanks and best wishes for 2014.

-Tom

Northern Illinois University Reviews Ombuds Office

The NIU University Affairs Committee has announced its annual review of its Ombudsperson, Sarah Klaper. The review is required by the University's bylaws, which state: "Early in the spring semester of the first and second year of the Ombudsperson's term, the University Affairs Committee of the University Council will evaluate the performance of the Ombudsperson." All NIU students, faculty and staff have been invited to provide information and comments about Klaper’s performance since she was appointed last summer. (NIU Today; NIU Bylaws.)

Reader Poll: What Was the Ombuds Story of the Year?

What do you think was the most important story of the year for Ombuds?

Friday Poll: Ombuds, Why Are You Not Attending the IOA 2011 Conference?

Many American and Canadian Organizational Ombuds will meet up in Portland, Oregon for the sixth annual International Ombudsman Association conference. However, some Ombuds will not attend. (Last year, 55% of respondents cited "insufficient office budget" as the reason.) This week's poll asks why not this year?

Friday Poll: Do You "Google" to Supplement Case Information?

The IOA Standards of Practice assert that Ombuds should have, "access to all information and all individuals in the organization." For many Ombuds, this means being able to access employee and academic records when relevant to the resolution of a case. But many Ombuds also use the Web or an intranet to access additional information about their visitors, parties and situations that may or may not be necessary for a resolution of the presenting concern. Background information is available from departmental webpages, Facebook, LinkedIn, employee newsletters, and local media. So how often do you look up information online as part of your case work?

Friday Poll: How is Your Office Evaluated?

The Northern Illinois University campus newspaper recently announced the annual performance review of its Ombudsman, Tim Griffin. Pursuant to the NIU Bylaws, the University Affairs Committee of the University Council will conduct the review and is soliciting information and comments from students, faculty and staff before March 1. (NIU Today.) 

This Friday Poll asks about your review process -- when, who or even at all.

Friday Poll: Should Organizational Ombuds Disclose Their Interests?

The Legal Ombudsman is an independent service for complaints about lawyers in England and Wales that opened its doors on October 6. The service is independent and impartial. Although it is empowered to conduct formal investigations, it seeks to resolve complains informally. The office employs ten professionals, including eight Ombuds. One unique feature of the program is a detailed, quarterly disclosure of interests that may conflict with their work -- board interests, self employment, charities, public appointments, political activity, membership, close family links, etc. This level of disclosure is unprecedented in the Ombuds profession. No other Classical or Organizational Ombuds publishes potential conflicts of interest. On the other hand, many professional mediators indicate their interests for potential customers.  (Legal Ombudsman UK; BBC News.)

Organizational Ombuds share the same duty of independence and impartiality. However, most do not disclose potential conflicts until they become apparent and then usually only verbally. Do you think Organizational Ombuds should be more proactive about disclosing their interests?

• Yes, this is an important issue.
• No, I disclose verbally if needed.
• No, my public profile is sufficient.
• No, my private life is private.

Comments are always welcome in addition.

Prior: Friday Polls.

Friday Poll: What's Your Reporting Line?

This edition of the Friday Poll asks Ombuds about their organizational status. IOA Standards state that Ombuds should report, "to the highest possible level of the organization," but for many this was determined before they were hired or is not negotiable for a variety of reasons. If you're a practicing Ombuds, whether embedded or as a consultant, to whom do you report?

Friday Poll: Preaching to the Choir?

Have I written a post about you or your Ombuds program?

Fort Valley State University Ombuds Starts Blog

Dawn Della DeVeaux, the Ombudsperson for the historically black university in Georgia, has launched a blog. Her bi-weekly postings will share her reflections about her work as a professor as well as an administrator at the academy. (FVSU Blog.)