The resolution also noted that, "All of our comparator peer institutions have an Ombuds Office." (UO Senate Minutes and Resolution; UO Matters Blog.)
Related posts: University of Oregon Offers Symposium on Apology to Coincide with IOA Conference; Guide to Oregon Ombuds Programs; University of Oregon Exploring Ombuds Program; University of Oregon Commits to Ombuds Program; Which Top-Rated US Law School Programs for Dispute Resolution Have Ombuds for Students?
While the resolution focused on peer institutions, the leadership brief that initiated the process leading to the resolution focused on potential value return to U of O by having a program.
ReplyDeleteIt was a well developed and delivered presentation by Caitlan Hendrickson that made this motion possible.
Ombuds programs to not just appear sui generis or rise from the ashes of some problem. Creating programs is time consuming, challenging, and often risky work. Approaching an institution whether a University, Corporation, Health Care Provider, NGO or other from the outside is an exercise in patience, humility and resolve. Doing so from the inside, as in Caitlan's case requires courage and wit.
While the field spends immense amounts of time training people to be ombuds, precious little energy is expended to improve the ability of anyone to access institutions, create an environment of interest, then take all the necessary steps to build a functional, contributing, to-code program.
I am proud to be teaching a course at Columbia with a focus on creating programs. I hope from that group, and others, with examples like Caitlan's, and Pacifica's with Baker Hughes and others, more new programs will be launched by intentional effort from interested skillful practitioners. Too often, under informed internals or externals, with out adequate input or guidance launch or mandate programs that are ill conceived, under perform, and do not last. The CDC, TIAA-Creff, Bank of America, and others stand out on this long list of examples.
Creating an ombuds program because your peer group has it is a recipe for mediocrity and under performance. Each institution needs to carefully examine needs and desired impacts, the metrics that would demonstrate achievement of intended changes, and how to communicate that to both general stakeholders and the authorizing environment, so as to secure the position and importance of the ombuds function.
Here is hoping U of O, with Caitlan's help, can do the good hard work needed, to build a meaningful, contributing, enduring program that other institutions can learn from.
All the best-
John W. Zinsser
Managing Principal
Pacifica Human Communications, LLC.
Lecturer/Adjunct Faculty
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Columbia University
Does anyone have information on whether this will be a posted position or will Caitlan be the appointed ombuds?
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am not speaking in any official capacity...
ReplyDeleteIt is likely that the position will be posted.
It will likely have certain requirements that will narrow the possible applicants.
John W. Zinsser
Managing Principal
Pacifica Human Communications, LLC.
Lecturer/Adjunct Faculty
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Columbia University