A spokesperson for the University of Georgia said that financial considerations were a motivating factor in hiring current employees as the first Ombuds. "We gave serious consideration to creating new positions and the initial appointments are internal in part because of budget cuts," said the president's chief of staff, Meg Amstutz. She denied any concern about the potential for a perceived conflict of interest.Steve Shi, director of the UGA Equal Opportunity Office, said conversations with Ombuds would be confidential, and communication between the administration and Ombuds would be limited. "There will be no 'back channel communication' between the ombudspersons and the administration," he said. However, open record laws allow the public to access notes taken by Ombuds, he said.
UGA's new Ombuds are expected to attend IOA training in Vancouver.
The program is slated for a two-year trial period. Among other considerations, UGA will evaluate whether outsiders should be hired as Ombuds.
The Red and Black editorial board endorsed the university's move, but expressed concerned about the Ombuds' ability to be truly independent.
(Athens Online; Red and Black Article, Editorial.)
Prior post: UGA's New Ombuds Program Fails in Several, Critical Aspects.
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