Union Theological Seminary Considering Ombuds Program

In a letter to the Union community on October 11, 2012, Michael J. Kelly, Chair of the Trustees' Audit Committee, announced the formation of an Ombudsperson Selection Committee. Trustees of the progressive, independent seminary in New York City have retained Xan Raskin of Artixan Consulting Group to make a recommendation regarding the issue. 


The Ombudsperson Selection Committee, which comprises faculty, staff, faculty, and students, has raised a number of concerns to Union's Board of Trustees, primarily about certain staff personnel decisions, processes and expenditures. Xan Raskin is a member of IOA and other ADR organizations and regularly consults on employee relations and HR matters. No other details have been announced. (Union Announcement; Artixan Consulting.)