Washington & Lee University Abandons Ombuds Program

The private liberal arts college in Lexington, VA has decided to replace its Ombuds Office with an Employee Assistance Program.  The Ombuds Office, headed by Jane Ellen Reid, was established in August 2009 and closed in about June 2012


Here's the announcement for Washington & Lee's EAP office:

The link below is to a brochure that provides information about resources that are available to you as an employee of W&L.  In addition to providing individual advice and counseling, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) staff are also available to mediate workplace conflicts and to handle other facilitated conversations.  The EAP is a free, confidential and independent resource.  In addition, HR staff can draw upon other external resources as appropriate.  This approach will replace the pilot Ombuds program that President Ruscio initiated three years ago.  While the Ombuds Office served a small number, it was not heavily used.  It is hoped that this more targeted approach will be more efficient and effective.

According to her LinkedIn page, Reid continues as the Ombudsman for Eastern Mennonite University. (WLU Blog; LinkedIn.)

Related posts: Washington & Lee Unveils Ombuds Office;  Profile of New Ombuds at Washington & Lee.