Baylor University Names Inaugural Staff Ombuds

Susan Anz has been appointed the first Ombuds to Staff at the private university in Waco, Texas. She will provide services to about 1,000 non-academic employees following IOA standards. In addition to her part-time Ombuds duties, Anz continues as Deputy Chief Business Officer.

Baylor University Begins Work on Staff Ombuds Position

The private university in Waco, Texas has constituted a committee to gather information and make a recommendation about an Ombuds for staff issues. David Murdock, Baylor's Judicial Affairs Coordinator, chair the newly formed committee of faculty and staff. According to a news release, "the committee understands that a partnership with HR will be required for a positive outcome" regardless of its decision.

Baylor Defers Consideration of Staff Ombuds

The Staff Council at Baylor University, which has been considered creating an Ombuds for Staff since 2005, has put the project on hold pending the appointment of a new HR Director. According to recently published Staff Council minutes, the Ombuds Committee put the discussion on hold until a new HR structure is in place. In addition, it noted that the are still questions about the reporting structure for the proposed Ombuds position. Baylor has had a Faculty Ombuds since 2003. (Baylor Staff Council Minutes 2/14/06, 9/12/06, 4/14/09; Baylor Faculty Ombuds.)

Related post: Baylor Names Faculty Ombuds.

Meet the New Ombuds for Baylor College of Medicine

Last October, the medical school named Laurel Hyle as its first Ombudsperson for students, trainees, faculty and staff.  “I’m enjoying being a part of the Baylor family and excited that I have the opportunity to blend my past experience together,” she said. “My goal for the Ombuds Office is that everyone knows this resource is available and feels welcome to access it.”

Baylor Names Faculty Ombuds

Baylor University has appointed Dr. Robert M. Baird, professor of philosophy and Master Teacher, to the position of Faculty University Ombudsperson. "I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the provost and the Faculty Senate," Baird said. "In any organization conflicts inevitably arise, and I hope that I can play a constructive role in helping to resolve them." A cum laude graduate of Baylor, Baird also earned his master's degrees from Baylor, and his doctorate from Emory University. Baird has edited 17 books on contemporary issues in philosophy. He is a member of several professional societies, including the American Philosophical Association, Society of Christian Philosophers, Southwestern Philosophical Society and American Civil Liberties Union. Baird also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Church and State and Philosophy in the Contemporary World. (Baylor News.)

Update: Waco Tribune article.

Prior post: Baylor to Reinstate Faculty Ombuds Position.

Job Posting: Baylor College of Medicine

The highly ranked medical school and leading center for biomedical research center in Houston, TX has opened a search for its first director for the BCM Office of the Ombudsman. Reporting to the Provost, the position will assist staff, faculty, students, post docs and trainees at all levels.  (Previously, BCM had an Ombuds, Shelley Sazer, who reported to the Dean of the Graduate School and worked only with graduate students and postdocs.)

Ombuds for Students at Baylor University Reports Further Declines in Caseload

Martha Lou Scott, the Ombuds to Students at the private university in Waco, TX, reports that contacts to her office declined for the fourth straight year. In total cases fell slightly to 61 from 62 in 2010 and from 84 in 2007. Scott also said that the trend in parents contacting the Ombuds for assistance for their students remains steady. Baylor's student Ombuds program has been in place for six years. (Baylor Student Life.)

Job Posting: Baylor College of Medicine

The private health sciences university in Houston, Texas is seeking a Principal Ombuds—a hire that will expand its Ombuds office headed by Melanie Jagneuax. Baylor ran a search last August for an Associate Ombuds, which was apparently not fruitful. There are some significant changes: current posting requires more experience and the salary range is now advertised.

Responding to Rape Allegations, Baylor University Promises Ombuds for Athletes

Multiple women have come forward claiming that the private Baptist university in Waco, Texas failed to respond appropriately to complaints of rape by a football player. According to a published report, one female student "reported the assault to Baylor's ombudsman office and were sent to meet with the school's chief judicial officer." A spokesperson for the school announced on Monday that an investigation is on-going and that Ombuds will be created for the athletic department.

Baylor College of Medicine Creates Ombuds Program

The highly ranked medical school and leading center for biomedical research center in Houston, TX has named Shelley Sazer as its first Ombudsman. Sazer was appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School and will serve graduate students and research postdoctorals with academic and personal problems and conflicts. According to a website for the new office, Sazer will practice to IOA standards.

New Ombuds for Baylor College of Medicine Interviewed

Melanie Jagneuax, who became the BCM Ombuds earlier this year  was interviewed for the staff newsletter. She talks about her role as Ombuds, career path, and personal interests.  (BCM Family.)

Job Posting: Baylor College of Medicine

The private health sciences university in Houston, Texas will expand its Ombuds office with the hiring of an Associate Ombudsman. The full-time position will report to Melanie Jagneuax and serve all members of the BCM community, including 5,500 faculty members and 1,600 students. 

Baylor College of Medicine Expands Ombuds Program with Experienced Ombuds

Alicia Booker is the new Principal Ombuds for the private health sciences university in Houston, Texas. She joins Director and Ombuds, Melanie Jagneaux. Booker brings significant Ombuds experience: she was the first full-time Ombuds at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for the past two years and, prior to that, was the Associate Ombuds at the University of Cincinnati. Booker is also the President-Elect of the IOA Board of Directors.

Seasoned Ombuds Moves to Baylor College of Medicine

Melanie Jagneuax, the former Ombuds for Baker Hughes, has been tapped as the next Ombuds for health sciences university in Houston, TX. She succeeds Laurel Hyle, who held the position for about a year. Jagneaux helped establish the O3 program at Baker Hughes and served as director for nearly six years. She is also the current Treasurer for the IOA Board of Directors.  (BCM Ombuds.)

Job Posting: Baylor College of Medicine

The health sciences university in Houston, TX is searching for its next Ombudsman Director.  Reporting to the provost, the position serves staff, faculty, students, post docs, and trainees following IOA standards. The position has been held by Laurel Hyle since last October. 

Ombuds May Help Internal Branding Efforts

A study by Baylor University finds that efforts to help employees understand and embrace a company's values, strategy and goals — ‘internal branding’ — are very important for competitiveness. Prominent companies that ‘walk the walk’ they advocate may help reduce turnover, improve performance.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Names First Ombuds

Alicia Booker is the inaugural Ombuds for the independent oceanographic research institution in Massachusetts. In this new part-time role, she provides services to about 1,000 WHOI employees following IOA standards. She continues as the Principal Ombuds at Baylor College of Medicine. 

Baylor to Reinstate Faculty Ombuds Position

Baylor University's Faculty Senate passed a proposal to reinstate the position of faculty ombudsperson. The ombudsperson "serves to facilitate resolution of problems, questions or disputes for the faculty in an informal, impartial and confidential manner," according to an approved draft of the proposal to reinstate the position. A committee of faculty and administration appointees will accept applications and conduct interviews. (The Lariat Online.)

IOA Board Selects 2023 Officers

The Board of Directors for the International Ombuds Association has announced the election of its officers for the 2023 term. All are long-time volunteers and professional Ombuds. The IOA Board meets at least monthly, with more meetings for the executive leadership. 

Texas is Home to Many Ombuds Programs

The Lone Star State has an impressive number of Ombuds offices and professional groups.  As Ombuds gather in Houston next week for their annual conference, it seems appropriate to acknowledge these programs.