June 06, 2008

(Not So New) Ombuds at Kenyon College

In March 2007, Kenyon College appointed alumna Robin Goodstein as its first, dedicated Ombuds for employees. Previously, the quarter-time position was filled by the three-quarter time equal opportunity officer. Goodstein background includes a variety of experiences with law and education, which led her into many different fields, including teaching, freelance writing, writing for websites and college counseling. After graduating from Kenyon in 1987, she earned an MA in English from Georgetown University in 1991 and a JD from American University-Washington College of Law, in 1998. (Kenyon Collegian; Kenyon News.)

It's heartening to see that Kenyon saw the wisdom in separating the Ombuds and EEO functions. This moves brings their office into line with IOA best practices and clarifies the role of the Ombuds as a confidential, informal and neutral resource and distinctly different than the role of EEO.

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