University of British Columbia Ombuds Faces Funding Shortfall

Since it was established in 2009, the UBC Ombuds Office has been funded jointly by the university, the Graduate Student Society and the student society, AMS. Despite a verbal agreement to provide funding for the current academic year and as it has for the past three years, AMS is facing a budget deficit and says it cannot make any contributions for the 2011-12 year. The AMS president is in negotiations with the university to ensure the the UBC Ombuds Office continues to operate as an independent resource. One possible solution may come through an AMS funding referendum next January.

The UBC Ombuds Office was established by Shirley Nakata, Ombudsperson for Students, and now includes Joy Coben, Ombuds Officer. (Ubyssey.)

Related posts: University of British Columbia Names First Ombuds for Students; Ombuds at University of British Columbia Publishes First Annual Report; University of British Columbia Ombuds Posts Second Annual Report.