September 07, 2009

Trendspotting: Higher Ed Ombuds Are Embracing Social Media

In an effort to reach student populations, many campus Ombuds programs are joining social networking sites. Ombuds at Virginia Tech, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Northern Illinois University, and Lewis & Clark College, have established Facebook pages. Valerie White at Lewis & Clark uses the Facebook page to provide information about her office (including photos), thoughts about conflict, and updates about the college. Thomas Griffin at UCLA has set up a Facebook Organizational Ombuds Group that is gaining members who are Ombuds or interested in the profession. Demerris Brooks, the Ombuds for San Jose State University took the leap into Twitter this week, providing campus updates for followers. Among Classical Ombuds, Andre Marin, the Ombudsman of Ontario and his staff are unparalleled in embracing Web 2.0, with a blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Related posts: Ombuds Not Exempt From Influence of Internet; Statement on Respectful Online Communication; Online Bullying an Emerging Issue for Ombuds; Recent University Ombuds Website Upgrades; An Ombuds Guide to Internet Tools.

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